#1 Cybersecurity Expert: This Conversation Could Save You Thousands of Dollars

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Feb 19, 2026

Caitlin Sarian, award-winning cybersecurity pro and former global lead of cybersecurity advocacy at TikTok, shares practical, no-nonsense ways to protect your data. She covers simple nightly checks like camera and location permissions. She explains how scams exploit habits, why public Wi-Fi and reused passwords are dangerous, and lists five essential moves to make you and your family safer online.

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ANECDOTE

Handwritten Extortion After Data Leak

Caitlin's manager received a threatening handwritten letter after her address leaked online.
The letter demanded crypto payment and demonstrated how exposed personal addresses can be used for extortion.

ADVICE

Avoid Public Wi‑Fi For Sensitive Tasks

Avoid sensitive work on public Wi‑Fi; tether to phone data or use a VPN when necessary.
Treat open Wi‑Fi as unencrypted tunnels anyone skilled can inspect.

ADVICE

Don't Save Passwords In Unlocked Notes

Don't store plain passwords in notes or unsafely synced apps; lock notes or use a password manager.
Use device biometrics and separate locks to protect stored credentials.

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If you’ve ever clicked “Accept All Cookies,” ignored software updates, saved your passwords, or logged into free Wi-Fi, you have to hear this.

The little “harmless” things you do online are exactly what scammers count on.

In today’s conversation, Mel sits down with award-winning cybersecurity expert Caitlin Sarian (aka “Cybersecurity Girl”) to give you the short and simple checklist of things that protect your money, your identity, and your privacy online.

You don’t need to understand cybersecurity. You just need to stop treating online habits like they’re harmless, because they can leave you open for a scam.

This isn’t about being paranoid, it’s about realizing that a few tiny changes can shut down most online threats.

This conversation will educate and inform you.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

-The biggest cybersecurity mistake almost everyone makes (and how to fix it fast)

-The #1 Venmo scam happening right now, and exactly what to do if it happens to you

-What to do immediately if your phone is lost or stolen

-The 5 essential moves that protect you from most online threats

-The fastest way to spot scam links, fake emails, and panic-based phone calls

-How to protect your parents, your kids, and your entire family from getting scammed

-Simple settings to check tonight: camera, microphone, location, and account access

Bookmark this episode and share it with your partner, your parents, and your friends.

This is the kind of information that can prevent a mistake you can’t undo.

For more resources related to today’s episode, click here for the podcast episode page.

If you liked the episode, check out this one next: The 7‑Day Habit Reset: Start Today, Feel Different By Next Week

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