Use a Secure Wi-Fi Router

Probably the single most important device on your home network in terms of security is your Wi-Fi router. In most cases, it’s the only thing between all your networked devices and the Internet’s bad guys. It’s crucial that you’re using an updated (and update-able) device from a reputable maker. I’ll explain why it’s important and how to pick a good router.

In other news: Plex media server urges users to update their software immediately; Meta settles a lawsuit for $18B and promises changes for kids; 153M personal ID cards were stolen and are for sale; ChatGPT has a new plugin to read and manage your iMessages; study shows Windows apps tattling on users; researcher shows how secret ballots can be re-identified; US Senator asks NSA to publish info on how to choose and use a good VPN; Flock vigilantism and vandalism soars; researchers find blatant back doors in cheap Chinese routers.

Article Links

News Briefs

1. Plex Urges Immediate Updates After Patching Multiple Undisclosed Security Flaws: https://thehackernews.com/2026/09/plex-urges-immediate-updates-after.html
2. Meta to pay $18 billion in teen social media addiction settlement: https://proton.me/blog/meta-teen-addiction-settlement

Full Stories

1. Identity Verification Is Broken. The 153 Million Driver’s Licenses Now for Sale Are Proof: https://gizmodo.com/identity-verification-is-broken-the-153-million-drivers-licenses-now-for-sale-are-proof-2000806437
2. ChatGPT’s iMessage plugin opens a backdoor in Apple Messages: https://proton.me/blog/chatgpt-apple-messages
3. Hidden Tracking in Windows Apps: https://adguard.com/en/blog/how-desktop-apps-watch-you-research.html
4. An Algorithmic Failure Beneath the Secret Ballot: https://blog.citp.princeton.edu/2026/08/03/an-algorithmic-failure-beneath-the-secret-ballot
5. Confused about which VPN is right, US senator asks the NSA for guidance: https://arstechnica.com/security/2026/09/us-senator-calls-on-the-nsa-to-give-guidance-for-use-of-vpns
6. Vigilantism comes for Flock: https://this.weekinsecurity.com/vigilantism-comes-for-flock
7. Security researchers find surveillance implants in Chinese-made routers sold worldwide — three different backdoor-like implants hidden in firmware: https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/cyber-security/security-researchers-find-surveillance-implants-in-chinese-made-routers-sold-worldwide-three-different-backdoor-like-implants-hidden-in-firmware

Further Info

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Table of Contents

• 0:00:07: Intro
• 0:02:26: 6th Edition update
• 0:04:15: News rundown
• 0:06:17: Plex media server critical fixes
• 0:08:47: Meta’s $18B lawsuit loss
• 0:10:40: 153M ID’s for sale
• 0:19:11: ChatGPT plugin for iMessage
• 0:27:28: Windows app tracking
• 0:38:23: Using AI to reveal your voting
• 0:48:42: Senator requests NSA VPN guidance
• 0:53:20: Rise in Flock vandalism
• 1:01:17: Chinese routers with built-in backdoors
• 1:09:48: Tip of the Week
• 1:19:21: Phase 2 reminder
• 1:20:14: Patron podcast preview
• 1:20:34: Looking ahead