Christian Johnson – 14 Years of HGG and Secure Messaging with RCS After Huge Cyberattack – HGG631

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Christian Johnson joins me this week. After looking back at 14 years of Home Gadget Geeks, we focus on security and privacy concerns, particularly around using SMS and RCS messaging protocols. The FBI and CISA have warned about vulnerabilities in these protocols, leading Christian to advise using more secure messaging apps like Signal, WhatsApp, and Telegram. We also discuss the importance of using secure password management and two-factor authentication practices, highlighting the risks of SMS-based MFA. Christian recommends using tools like Bit Warden and the security features in iCloud+. Christian predicts that the growth and development of AI technologies will be a key trend in 2025, with implications for data center infrastructure and power requirements. Thanks for listening!

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Full show notes, transcriptions (available on request), audio and video at http://theAverageGuy.tv/hgg631

Join Jim Collison / @jcollison for show #631 of Home Gadget Geeks, brought to you by the Average Guy Network.

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Links

https://www.zdnet.com/article/fbi-cisa-urge-americans-to-use-secure-messaging-apps-in-wake-of-massive-cyberattack

https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/training/how-communicate-securely-your-mobile-device

Chapters

[12:27] Texting Security Concerns

[31:20] The Impact of Data Breaches

[1:04:51] Navigating Potential Compromises

[1:17:08] Future Tech Trends in AI and Crypto

Extended Outline

  • Celebrating 14 Years of Home Gadget Geeks[0:00]
    • Jim Collison introduces the show, mentioning it is the 631st episode recorded on December 5, 2024.
    • Jim thanks Patreon subscribers for their monthly support and mentions the $5 plan available on averageguy.tv.
    • Jim and Christian discuss their Christmas shopping habits, with Christian admitting he usually leaves it until late.
    • Jim shares a personal update about his prostate surgery a year ago, noting that things are going well.
  • Reflecting on 14 Years of Podcasting[4:22]
    • Jim and Christian discuss the evolution of their podcasting journey over the past 14 years.
    • Christian highlights the importance of learning to communicate to different audiences and the community aspect of podcasting.
    • Christian reflects on how podcasting has become much more commonplace and saturated compared to 14 years ago.
    • Jim emphasizes the joy of connecting with co-hosts and the community, despite the small listener numbers.
  • Celebrating Christian’s Upcoming Parenthood[8:05]
    • Jim congratulates Christian on his upcoming fatherhood and shares some dad jokes sent in by a listener.
    • Christian appreciates the dad jokes and mentions he will add them to his personal journal.
    • Jim advises Christian on the challenges of parenting, especially with the second child.
    • Jim and Christian discuss the importance of balancing parenting responsibilities and the joys of being a dad.
  • Security Concerns with SMS Text Messages[12:20]
    • Christian explains the FBI and CISA’s warning about using secure messaging apps due to vulnerabilities in SMS and RCS protocols.
    • Christian details the “Assault Typhoon” hacking campaign and the sensitive data it has compromised.
    • Christian advises using encrypted messaging apps like Signal and WhatsApp for secure communication.
    • Jim and Christian discuss the importance of multi-factor authentication and the risks of SMS-based MFA.
  • Evaluating and Improving Security Practices[27:24]
    • Jim and Christian discuss the importance of using secure messaging apps and the risks of SMS and RCS protocols.
    • Christian explains how to identify secure and insecure text messages on iPhone and Android devices.
    • Jim shares his concerns about the security of his two-factor authentication codes and the need to update his security practices.
    • Christian advises on the importance of using secure messaging apps and the risks of SMS and RCS protocols.
  • Exploring Secure Messaging Apps and Features[38:01]
    • Christian recommends Signal, WhatsApp, and Telegram as secure messaging apps.
    • Jim and Christian discuss the limitations of Discord and Facebook Messenger in terms of end-to-end encryption.
    • Christian explains the benefits of using iCloud’s private relay and hide my email features for enhanced security.
    • Jim and Christian discuss the importance of using secure messaging apps and the risks of SMS and RCS protocols.
  • Managing Password Security and Two-Factor Authentication[38:20]
    • Jim and Christian discuss the importance of using secure password managers like Bit Warden and LastPass.
    • Christian advises on the benefits of using Face ID for secure authentication with Bit Warden.
    • Jim shares his experience with Bit Warden and the challenges of managing multiple authenticators.
    • Christian explains the importance of keeping MFA and password management separate for enhanced security.
  • Addressing Spam Calls and Text Messages[56:54]
    • Jim and Christian discuss the issue of spam calls and text messages, especially during the elections.
    • Christian explains the “silence unknown callers” feature in iOS and the use of call screening apps.
    • Jim shares his experience with spam calls and the challenges of managing them on his T-Mobile account.
    • Christian advises on the importance of using call screening features and the risks of SMS and RCS protocols.
  • Future Trends in AI and Data Center Power[1:02:52]
    • Christian predicts that the AI toolchain and compute stack will continue to accelerate in 2025.
    • Christian discusses the importance of data center space and power for AI workloads and the potential of nuclear energy.
    • Jim and Christian discuss the challenges of powering AI and crypto workloads and the potential for infrastructure limitations.
    • Christian highlights the importance of innovation in energy technologies to support the growth of AI and crypto.
  • The Impact of AI and Crypto on Consumer Behavior[1:13:56]
    • Jim and Christian discuss the current state of AI and crypto, noting that they are still seen as gimmicky by many consumers.
    • Christian explains the potential for Bitcoin to become a mainstream part of the economy with the incoming administration’s focus on crypto.
    • Jim and Christian discuss the potential challenges and opportunities for AI and crypto in the coming years.
    • Christian highlights the importance of infrastructure and energy technologies in supporting the growth of AI and crypto.
  • Crypto Mining and AI Capacity Concerns[1:17:47]
    • Christian Johnson expresses optimism about the future of crypto mining, predicting it will become less profitable but still viable.
    • Jim Collison discusses the financial viability of crypto, noting its continued existence despite not having immediate practical applications.
    • Jim highlights the potential of AI, particularly in efficiency and practical applications, and compares it to the impact of the calculator on math.
    • Christian and Jim discuss the broader economic implications of AI, including the need for humans to remain productive and the challenges of automation.
  • AI’s Practical Applications and Economic Impact[1:18:06]
    • Jim Collison mentions a dream of freeing humans from manual tasks, questioning the feasibility of a utopian economy where people only do interesting work.
    • The conversation touches on the historical context of automation fears, comparing them to current AI concerns.
    • Jim draws a parallel between AI’s potential to improve efficiency and the impact of the calculator on math.
    • Christian and Jim discuss the need for humans to help each other and the unpredictable nature of AI’s future.
  • Podcast Announcements and Upcoming Guests[1:20:15]
    • Jim Collison thanks Christian for joining the podcast and reflects on their 14-year journey together.
    • Jim announces upcoming guests for the next four weeks, including Dave McCabe and Aaron Lawrence, and their respective topics.
    • Jim encourages listeners to join the live show and mentions the Discord group, where Christian is an active participant.
    • Christian shares his preference for Discord as a platform and advises listeners on how to tag him for responses.
  • Listener Engagement and Platform Support[1:22:18]
    • Jim Collison invites listeners to send dad jokes to the Discord group or via email to Christian.
    • Christian humorously notes the high bar set by previous dad jokes.
    • Jim promotes the average guy.tv platform, powered by Maple Grove Partners, and encourages listeners to support the platform.
    • The conversation concludes with a reminder of the live show schedule and an invitation to stay for the post-show discussion.

More from ChatGPT

The conversation covers the 14-year anniversary of the Home Gadget Geeks podcast, hosted by Jim Collison and Christian Johnson. They reflect on their podcasting journey, the evolution of the show, and the importance of building a community. A major focus of the discussion is on security and privacy concerns, particularly around the use of SMS and RCS messaging protocols. The FBI and CISA have warned about vulnerabilities in these protocols, leading Jim and Christian to advise using more secure messaging apps like Signal, WhatsApp, and Telegram. They also discuss the importance of using secure password management and two-factor authentication practices, highlighting the risks of SMS-based MFA. Christian recommends using tools like Bit Warden and the security features in iCloud+. Looking ahead, Christian predicts that the growth and development of AI technologies will be a key trend in 2025, with implications for data center infrastructure and power requirements. The conversation also touches on the future of crypto and its potential mainstream adoption. Throughout the discussion, Jim and Christian provide practical advice and insights to help the audience improve their security and stay informed about emerging tech trends.

Products mentioned:

[0:01:27] Patreon – Jim mentions the $5 Patreon plan available on averageguy.tv/patreon.

[0:32:06] Apple Password App – Christian discusses the new Apple Password app bundled with iOS.

[0:39:46] Bit Warden – Jim and Christian discuss using Bit Warden as a password manager.

[0:41:21] iCloud+ – Christian talks about the privacy features in iCloud+ like Private Relay and Hide My Email.

[0:47:05] Signal, WhatsApp, Telegram – Christian recommends these secure messaging apps.

[0:54:34] Google Authenticator – Jim mentions using the Google Authenticator app for two-factor authentication.

[0:54:34] Microsoft Authenticator – Jim mentions using the Microsoft Authenticator app for two-factor authentication.

[0:54:34] LastPass Authenticator – Jim mentions still using the LastPass Authenticator app for two-factor authentication.

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Popular Tags: Podcast, Home Gadget Geeks, Jim Collison, Christian Johnson, cybersecurity, SMS messaging, encrypted apps, Signal, WhatsApp, holiday shopping, parenting insights, AI impact, spam communications, Bitwarden, Lastpass