February 2026

Stop Online Tracking

3-Layer Approach Anyone Can Use

This week I'm sharing something by my friend Henry from Techlore who published a great video about online trackers and the three layers of protection you can use (from easiest to hardest):

​3 Layers to Stop Online Tracking (Techlore)​

Go Deeper: As with anything having to do with your online presence, there are quite a few angles you can take to add greater protection. It could be your browser (like Brave) or even how you give out your physical home address.

Brave Settings Using Brave is a great step, but here are some security settings to change: ​Watch the video →​

Home Privacy If you're still writing down your actual home address, watch this video: ​Better Home Privacy →​

One-Size Fits All

Hi [CORRECTED_NAME GOES HERE], I think what I love most about the Techlore video I shared above is how implicitly acknowledges something I've been trying to preach for years now:

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to security and privacy.

That's hard because we all want simple answer to what seems like basic questions like:

• How do I prevent Big Tech from tracking me?
• How can I keep my messages private?
• How can I share secure files?

The truth, however, is that there are different levels of protection and a lot of it depends on your situation, your risk level and your tolerance for the loss of convenience.

As I've considered ways I could add meaningful content to this subject of privacy and security for the average person, this is what I keep coming back to:

Layered security and privacy

In other words, instead of offering a single answer in a YouTube video, I'm trying hard to present different approaches. I'm even on the cusp of writing a short booklet on basic privacy and security that does the same thing.

I'm curious: does this resonate with you? Do you think that's valuable?

If you've read this far, go ahead and hit "reply" to this email and let me know what you think.

This Week in Privacy News

​Warning: Fake Tax calls from the IRS​

The US Federal Trade Commission is warning of a big wave of reports about phone scams claiming you owe back taxes. But it’s not the IRS calling, it’s a scammer using a company name like “Tax Resolution Oversight Department.” If someone calls you out of the blue offering to help you fix a tax issue, hang up. Here’s how to spot the scam.

--> Consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/01/hang-unexpected-calls-saying-you-owe-back-taxes-those-are-scams

​"Jackpotting" ATMs results in $20 million loss​

Although this isn't a threat to individuals, it's scary to think that most of our ATMs are still powered by a Windows 7 operating system...that hasn't had security updates since 2023. What are banks even doing?

--> Tomshardware.com/tech-industry/cyber-security/usd20-million-lost-in-jackpotting-atm-malware-attacks-in-2025-fbi-reports-scheme-forces-machines-to-spit-out-cash-targets-banks-and-atm-operators
​

​CarGurus Data Breach affects 12.5M user accounts​

The breach exposed names, email addresses, phone numbers, and physical addresses of customers, raising fresh concerns about consumer data security in the online automotive marketplace sector. The incident marks one of the largest consumer data breaches in the automotive tech space this year, putting millions of users at risk for phishing attacks and identity theft.

--> Techbuzz.ai/articles/cargurus-breach-exposes-12-5m-user-accounts-to-hackers

Your Thoughts?

As I said earlier, I'd love your thoughts on this layered approach to privacy and security, specifically as relates to a book I hope to write and publish.

Do you think that would be a useful resource to create?

✌️

Josh

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3824 Cedar Springs Rd #801-8170, Dallas, TX 75219
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