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--- security_notes [2026.02.17 11:04] – created Steve Isenberg
+++ security_notes [2026.02.18 18:09] (current) – Steve Isenberg
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 Kim Komando had a nice article in her 2/17/2026 newsletter that identifies an issue if you have many photos of your home available on the web. Bad guys can plan to break in, and knowing your house and its layout, quickly steal your stuff or worse.  Here is an extract from her newsletter on this topic. She writes:
-Anyone can type your name into a free people search site and get your home address in seconds. Then they plug it into Zillow and see your floor plan, entry points, window types and where the security cameras sit.
+<blockquote>
+  * Anyone can find your home address on a free people search site in seconds. Then Zillow hands them a blueprint of every room, entry point and camera angle.
+  * Home invasions targeting everyday people are surging. Physical attacks on homeowners nearly doubled last year.
+  * The 10-minute lockdown: Remove your photos from Zillow, Redfin and Realtor. Blur your house on Google Street View. Steps below.
 Unless you’re selling your home, take down your photos. Now.
 These steps can look a little different depending on your device, app version or browser. If it’s not exact, poke around. The option is there.
   * **Zillow**: Sign in at zillow.com. Click your profile icon > Your Home. Search your address, claim it, then go to Edit Facts and hide or delete the photos. Hit Save.
   * **Redfin**: Sign in at redfin.com. Go to Owner Dashboard. Select your home > Edit Photos > Hide listing photos > Save.
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 If you’re not selling, there’s zero reason for the internet to have a virtual tour of your home. Take it down today.
+<cite>Kim Komando newsletter 2/17/2026</cite>
+</blockquote>
+====Physical and Personal====
+Home
+  * Quality locks and reinforced strike plates
+  * Exterior lighting
+  * Camera system (as simple as doorbell cam)
+  * Fire extinguishers
+  * Smoke/CO detectors
+  * Hide photos of your house (see above)
+Personal Awareness
+  * Don't advertise wealth
+  * Be cautious about public financial discussions
+  * Shred sensitive mail
+  * Hold mail when traveling
+  * Hold newspaper delivery when traveling
+====Cyber====
+Computer/phone
+  * Antivirus
+  * VPN
+  * Lock down your SIM
+Identity protection
+  * Freeze your credit (free, reversible)
+  * Strong unique passwords
+  * Password Manager
+  * 2FA or MFA everywhere
+Account security
+  * Alerts for transactions
+  * Separate email for financial accounts
+  * Remove unnecessary personal data from public broker sites
+Backup strategy
+  * 3-2-1 backup rule (3 copies; 2 media types; 1 offsite)
+  * Encrypted backups
+====Financial====
+  * 3-6 months of expenses in a high-yield savings account
+  * Tell your brokerage not to use voice recognition
+Insurance
+  * Health insurance
+  * Auto Insurance
+  * Homeowners/renters insurance
+  * Umbrella liability policy
+  * Disability insurance
+  * Term life insurance
+Diversify
+  * Don't concentrate in a single asset (stock, crypto, etc)
+Minimize legal exposure
+  * Avoid personally guaranteeing business debt
+  * Use appropriate ownership structures
+Tax Efficiency
+  * Max tax-advantaged accounts (401k, IRA, HSA)
+====Legal protection====
+Estate planning
+  * Will
+  * Healthcare proxy
+  * Durable power of attorney
+  * Beneficiary designations, review regularly
+For property
+  * Revocable living trust (avoids probate, improves control)
+  * Make sure titles re correct
+For a business of yours
+  * Use LLC or corporation
+  * Maintain separation between personal and business finances
+====Behavioral Protection====
+Biggest financial losses come from
+  * Divorce
+  * Lawsuits
+  * Scams
+  * Poor Investment decisions
+  * Lifestyle inflation
+Protect yourself by
+  * Avoiding impulsive leverage
+  * Avoiding co-signing loans
+  * Carefully vetting partnerships
+  * Keeping documenttion of agreements
+====Fraud and Scam Protection====
+  * Never rush financial decisions
+  * Independently verify wire instructions
+  * Be cautious with crypto solicitations
+  * Verify government “notices” directly