Firewalls Don't Stop Dragons Podcast Best & Worst Gifts for 2025!
Nov 24, 2025
Join smart-home expert Stacey Higginbotham, cybersecurity manager Yael Grauer, and security consultant Jeff Landale as they dive into holiday tech gifting. They share strategies for choosing gifts that prioritize privacy and ease of setup. Expect tales of tech gift disasters and a candid discussion on invasive AI ads and problematic devices to avoid. The trio also highlights alternative non-tech gifts and offers tips for ensuring a smooth gifting experience. Tune in for insights that will help you navigate the tricky landscape of tech presents!
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Episode notes
Skip DNA Tests Unless Requested
- Avoid gifting DNA tests and similar reveal-first products unless the recipient asked.
- Such tests can produce surprising family revelations and privacy exposures.
Security Vs. Privacy Trade-offs With Big Tech
- Large companies often offer stronger cybersecurity infrastructure but pose different privacy trade-offs.
- Security and privacy are distinct: strong security doesn't guarantee private business incentives.
Choose Phones With Memory Safety Protections
- Consider iPhone 17 for memory-safety hardware protections if you face targeted threats.
- Even users without the new model benefit as vendors patch discovered bugs across ecosystems.
