Internet Security....no- NOT LIFELOCK.

Internet security help:

(for those of you who desperately need it)

howsecureismypassword.net (don't panic, they can't track you, just put in your password...then panic when it takes 3.2 seconds to reveal how pathetic it is)

haveibeenpwned.com will tell you how many times your data (email/username) had been breached with when and where, also how many email lists you are currently on.

watch for bogus "fake" wifi access sites, purge your network lists on your phone/device, always watch out for commercial wifi sites that don't have access portals (i.e. take you to a welcome page before dropping you on the net)

if you need to use an email address to register for a site or service that you don't plan or want to be part of permanently, use 10minutemail.com it will give to an email address that lasts for...10 minutes or 20 if you need longer before self-destructing. (just found this one and I am laughing in true machiavellian fashion) 

on another note:

you can opt out of credit card offers by going here

optoutprescreen.com (warning it will ask for sensitive info)

dmachoice.org can reduce junk mail or eliminate it in some cases- also stop registering for free catalogs unless you love that junk. (again personal info is required)

there is still the option to return to sender most junk mail especially if it is asking for an address correction or return postage guaranteed, - this will mean it will cost whoever sent it to you money. small victories.

finally, the current advice is cycle your passwords. you don't have to change them frequently - just periodically ( I cycle mine about 6-12 months or when a website demands it) be password loyal -pick a pattern and stick to it, if you try to be random all the time, your passwords will be weaker. 

use a password manager. I use roboform- it has it's problems (such as browser updates) but overall, all I have to keep up with 99% of the time is the master password. I have the everywhere set up and flash drive option. It's invaluable.

On passwords, do not use just numbers or birthdates or favorite  singers etc.

I do passwords 1 of 3 ways. Dead Languages. like Classical Greek or Latin. An alphanumeric password can work well if your spelling follows a language that is no longer in regular use (I used to write in Klingon or Elvish but then suddenly everyone was writing in elvish and klingon.)

2. Use a phrase 3-6 words strung together that makes sense to you or your cat. ironically this can work with straight-out spelling. such as "thebrowncatchaseswhitemice" the password site say that a password hacking program would give up after a decade and go out for sushi instead (5 quintillion years to be exact).

3. password generators like the one roboform uses. 

like this one R9Zgs0!zv*hNhm4Je (93 trillion years) almost as impressive.. However, these are only worth using IF you have a password manager. It would take me at least 5 billion years to memorize that one.

this conclude mike's fast internet security advice

credit to CR.org for some of the info.

and that is internet security according to Mike.