Posts made in March 2021

girl in red

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Spotify’s global emerging artist program, RADAR, announced its latest artist partnership for the US, the Oslo-based pop sensation, girl in red, aka Marie Ulven.

On the heels of the recent announcement of her debut album, if i could make it go quiet,out April 30th and its accompanying FINNEAS-produced first single, “Serotonin,” Marie has proven exactly why she’s a Spotify RADAR artist: She has over 886 Million Spotify streams to date, almost 9 Million monthly listeners, and placements on over 396 Spotify playlists including New Music Friday, LOREM, Oyster, Ultimate Indie, and Out Now.

To celebrate these milestones, Spotify and girl in red have teamed up for a mini-documentary, which is out today and viewable on YouTube HERE or on our RADAR playlist HERE.

In the 11-min clip, Marie’s bubbly personality shines, as she cracks jokes and spins a basketball while playing show-and-tell in her childhood bedroom: The serotonin molecule she bought in honor of her new single, her grandmother’s metronome, her bass, her cello, a spiderweb (!!), her fingerboard ramps, and even her diary.

After a jaunt through the snowy forest in Marie’s hometown of Horten, Norway, we learn about her early inspiration for making music. Her close bond with her family is clear, and we’re let into their circle as her mom shares old photos and memories of her upbringing — from her tomboy style to her fear of flying to her sexuality. As Marie revs up for a return to live music, a busy album promo cycle, and arena-headlining ambitions, she shares who keeps her the most grounded: Luna, her Bernese Mountain dog!

Spring In The Town & Country

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SPRING IN THE TOWN & COUNTRY AT FOUR SEASONS HOTEL

Spring heralds the start of a new season dedicated to rebirth and new beginnings. In celebration of the Spring Equinox, Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston, debuts the latest experiential seasonal program for guests – Seasons in the Town and Country. This latest offering highlights the very best scenic destinations in Boston and New England through seasonal Insiders’ Guides, curated by the One Dalton Hotel team.

As the first of three seasonal offerings throughout the year, Spring in the Town and Country includes a seasonal welcome amenity on arrival; a personalized picnic for two including a bottle of wine; complimentary overnight valet parking and a curated Spring Insiders’ Guide designed to maximize the fun and enjoyment of exploring some unknown locations in the city and surrounding countryside.

Renowned for being one of the most scenic destinations within the country, New England boasts a stunning Atlantic coastline, rugged mountain ranges, spectacular spring blooms and quaint seaside towns. The city of Boston sits at the heart of New England and acts as the cultural hub within the region. Boston is a charming and extremely walkable city and offers a fascinating window into the nation’s history, making it an ideal base for exploration.

The team at Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston has thoughtfully curated a selection of their favorite destinations in the city of Boston and the surrounding New England area in the Spring Insiders’ Guide. Local natural attractions in Boston, ideal for a picnic, include the variety of parks that constitute the Emerald Necklace and the stunning cherry blossoms in Back Bay. The arrival of the cherry blossoms signals that the long winter is over, and spring has arrived. Most prominent in Back Bay and along the Charles River Esplanade and throughout the Public Garden and Boston Common, the Hotel team recommends a stroll or a bike ride to take in the gorgeous blooms across the city. Specifically, start a self-guided walking tour along Newbury Street or Commonwealth Avenue and head towards the Boston Public Garden for prime bloom-spotting.

Two other city suggestions include landmark locations such as the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the North End. Completed in late 1901 and dedicated to its namesake, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is one of the most wonderfully unique museums in Boston. As a passionate and devoted art connoisseur, Isabella Stewart Gardner personally collected and arranged the works of art in the historic galleries on three floors. Alternatively, if guests are looking for a great locale for history and dining, the Hotel team suggests guests take some time to wander the streets of little Italy in the North End of Boston, home to some of the best Italian restaurants, markets, and pastry shops in the country. For history buffs, guests should not miss The Paul Revere House (circa 1680) and the Old North Church, dating back to 1723.

A little further afield but within an hour’s drive from the Hotel, the Spring Insiders’ Guide features two wonderful destinations in Massachusetts – Hingham, and Essex. World’s End is a 251-acre (100 hectares) park and conservation area located on a peninsula in Hingham that is bordered by the Weir River to the north and east and Hingham Harbor to the west. Alternatively, Essex is a quaint coastal town that once centered on the ship-building industry but is now known as the antique capital and famously claims to have the highest density of antique shops in the United States. Seafood and clams are a particular specialty here and a serving of fried clams for lunch or dinner should not be overlooked.

For guests wanting to escape the city for the ultimate day-trip, the team has suggested Perkins Cove in southern Maine and MASS MoCA in North Adams. Originally a small fishing community and artists’ colony, Perkins Cove is a charming area that consists of local independent shops, restaurants, and scenic outlooks. Hugged by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and a small harbor on the other side, guests can picnic on the rocks while enjoying the crashing surf. If culture is on the agenda, then a visit to MASS MoCA will not disappoint. As one of the world’s liveliest centers for making and enjoying today’s most evocative art, the center features vast galleries and a stunning collection of indoor and outdoor performing arts venues.

Designed by the culinary team at One Dalton and perfectly packaged to enjoy while exploring by bike or foot in the city or by car for those longer distances, the Spring Picnic Menu includes a delicious seasonal selection of salads and sandwiches or wraps, accompanied by a variety of sides. Salad options include farfalle pasta salad, burrata salad, arugula salad and a spring green salad. Sandwich options include a Maine lobster cobb wrap, turkey and Vermont cheddar on a brioche bun, local Massachusetts meats muffuletta, grilled organic chicken breast and crumbled feta with zucchini, red pepper flakes, cucumber and mint on local ciabatta. Every Spring Picnic hamper includes Natalie’s handcrafted lemonade, house-made spiced potato chips and One Dalton’s own pistachio-cherry-chocolate cookies.

Spring in the Town and Country is available for stays through June 20, 2021 with rates starting at just USD 745 per night.

Following Spring in the Town and Country, additional packages will be seasonably available during the summer and fall months to celebrate the Summer Solstice and the Fall Equinox. Both packages will include a dedicated seasonal Insiders’ Guide and Picnic Menu showcasing seasonal ingredients.

College Campus Overnight Experience

Researching and discovering a future university or college is an exciting time for any parent or student. Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston has thoughtfully curated a dedicated College Campus overnight experience, which ensures that the prospective student or alumni and their families are set up for success and well prepared for the days ahead.

Guests who book this overnight experience will receive a college-themed amenity specific to their college of choice, a branded Four Seasons backpack filled with bottled water and snacks for the day, notebook and pen ready for taking notes in an instant, a college-themed postcard with an insider tip by alumni specific to the college of choice, and an overnight stay at the Hotel. As many of the One Dalton team have personally attended local Boston colleges, the Hotel team is also able to offer suggestions and recommendations and give prospective students the inside scoop on college life at any of these prestigious schools.

Reservations for the College Campus Experience can be made online.

What to Know Before Traveling with CBD

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By Ed Donnelly, founder of AmourCBD

CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is the oil found in the stem of hemp plants, which has the THC extracted to reach levels below 0.3%. CBD products have become essential, and as travel begins to pick up, many people are unsure if they can bring their favorite CBD products with them. Here are a few things to keep in mind when bringing your CBD products along.

Consider state laws

Hemp’s classification changed under the 2018 Farm Bill from being considered a Schedule I drug, meaning it is no longer considered a controlled substance, thus making consumption, production, and transportation across state lines legal. In order to even be considered hemp, products have to meet very strict requirements. For one, the THC percentage in the product cannot be higher than 0.3% otherwise it can be considered marijuana which is yet to be legalized on a federal level. Thankfully, AmourCBD products have a 0.00% THC guarantee and are produced in an FDA regulated facility so travelers need not worry. When transporting hemp, the product has to be produced lawfully under the 2018 Farm Bill, and the USDA has to have issued approved regulations and procedures within that specific state. Each production plan was submitted individually by states—additional information pertaining to that can be found here.

TSA Compliant

While transporting marijuana across state lines is not allowed since it has not been legalized on a federal level, travelers can still bring most cannabis infused products with them, like CBD, as long as they contain under 0.3% THC. Like most hygienic products such as makeup and lotions, the TSA requires that any products brought in carry-on luggage do not exceed 3.4 oz and are stored in a resealable, clear 1 qt bag. Anything greater than 3.4 oz has to be stowed away in checked luggage. All AmourCBD products are less than 3.4 oz and can be brought safely on the plane. Additionally, CBD products do not need to be declared at the airport during domestic travel as they are federally legal in the United States.

Benefits of CBD for travel jitters

Why would travelers want to bring CBD along? Various studies have shown that CBD can be used to help alleviate symptoms associated with insomnia, anxiety, and some muscle pains. Whatever your fear may be, whether a fear of heights, flying in general, or uneasiness during turbulence, consuming products like AmourCBD’s 10mg Gummies can help significantly when conquering your flight. Not enough legroom or stiff muscles? AmourCBD’s Pain Relief Cream, which is the very first FDA-registered CBD cream on the market, has an active ingredient of lidocaine which helps soothe discomfort quickly, and without residual smells. If you want to combat jet lag or simply want to rest on a long flight, travelers can also use CBD in place of products like melatonin.

International Travel Guidelines

When traveling internationally, CBD regulations can become a bit less straightforward. While it is legal to travel with CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC domestically in the United States, other countries have different laws regarding CBD use. Before bringing CBD products along for international travel, check on the regulations of the country you are traveling to in order to ensure you are abiding by that country’s laws. If you are unsure, professionals suggest leaving CBD products at home since many countries have stricter CBD-related drug laws than the United States.

Check for THC in CBD Products

Be sure to double check the ingredients of your CBD products before travel. As previously stated, CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC are federally legal, but CBD products containing higher doses of THC can vary in legality by state. Especially when traveling to or from a state where marijuana is legal, make sure to check your CBD products for their THC levels. Luckily, AmourCBD products contain 0.00% THC guaranteed, ensuring safe domestic travel.

Keeping rules and regulations in mind when traveling with your CBD must-haves can help ensure a smooth and relaxing trip, especially during a time we need it most.

Ziggy Marley × Concert

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Ziggy Marley to Headline First “Concerts In Your Car” Live Concert of the Season

Legendary Reggae Musician to Pay Tribute to his Father’s Legacy on April 17 in Ventura

The music is BACK! Concerts in Your Car returns to the Ventura County Fairgrounds with a blockbuster live concert by Ziggy Marley. An eight-time Grammy winner, Emmy winner, guitarist, songwriter, and humanitarian, Marley will perform, along with his band, a tribute to his legendary father, Reggae Icon Bob Marley. This year will mark the fortieth anniversary of his father’s death.

Ziggy Marley is known as a musical pioneer, infusing the reggae genre with funk, blues, rock, and other elements. Marley, who is a prolific composer, usually primarily performs his own compositions. Sets focusing on his late father’s music are a rare event.

Two performances are scheduled for Saturday, April 17 at 5 pm and 8:30 pm at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Tickets start at $99. per car for up to four passengers, with additional passenger tickets available for purchase. The number of passengers must not exceed the number of safety belts/seats in the vehicle. Tickets are sold in advance and online only.

All “Concerts In Your Car” events include a visual light show and multi-media entertainment. The combination of an extra high, theatre-in-the-round style, four-sided stage, and four over-sized screens ensures that every seat is the best seat in the house. The events are designed to comply with all state and county restrictions. Sound comes from the stage like a traditional concert and can also be heard via car stereos on an FM station.

Next up for April is the electronic dance music duo Hippie Sabotage on Saturday, April 24. They are best known for their remix of “Habits”, which has surpassed a phenomenal 800 million views on YouTube. To buy tickets and for more information visit the website.

ABOUT CBF PRODUCTIONS
In 2020 when large public gatherings were rendered unsafe by COVID-19, CBF Productions launched the first drive-in live music experience in California. They continue to lead the pack by bringing top-name talent to their acclaimed live, drive-in, theatre-in-the-round-style, and socially distanced entertainment option to the Ventura County Fairgrounds. From their legendary Boots & Brews Country Music Festivals to Tequila & Taco Festivals, Winter Wine Walks and more, CBF’s visionary events have been on the forefront of the food/drink and music festival circuit for over 12 years.

NOLA Has Wiiings

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Red Bull has teamed up with the New Orleans Pelicans and renowned visual artist Brandan “Bmike” Odums for NOLA Has Wiiings, a project dedicated to replacing backboards at basketball courts throughout New Orleans.

Bmike selected eight local creatives to transform old local backboards into works of art, which will be on display starting this month at the New Orleans Pelicans’ Smoothie King Center and online at RedBull.com.

New Orleans locals can vote for their favorite backboard starting today via the Pelicans Mobile App or website. The artist with the most votes will have the opportunity to conceptualize and design a full art court that serves the New Orleans community.

Bmike’s custom backboard, for exhibit only, will be on display at Studio BE for the duration of the project.

NOLA Has Wiiings brings artists from around the city together to celebrate, brighten and educate communities through colorful displays of art that showcase NOLA’s unrivaled ability to rebound.

NOLA Has Wiiings Artists

Ceaux, a New Orleans-born multidisciplinary artist, has created a backboard inspired by Harrell Park – located on the “Pigeon Town” side of Carrollton – and the color and playfulness that’s felt at playgrounds.
Ayo Scott, painter and son of nationally recognized artist John T. Scott, has created “Big Ol’ Lil Big Chief” in collaboration with Big Chief Terrence “T” Williams of the Black Hawk Hunters, which is inspired by the resilient spirit of the people of New Orleans.
Kara Crowley – Visual Artist, an artist who embraces black culture and positive representation in her own artistic interpretations, has created a backboard which showcases multiple hands expressing the message of unity.
Jessica Strahan, a self-taught painter and muralist native to and based in New Orleans, has created a backboard inspired by dance and its ability to take people through vibrant moments in time.
Marc Verrett / MarcFreshArt, a Baton Rouge based muralist, has created a backboard that illustrates a positive rise to overcome obstacles through imagery of a skull paired with colorful butterfly wings to represent the eternal drive to fly above.
Jade Meyers/THEARTISTJADE, Art director and founder of the art-based company, “J A D E 1 9 9 1,” has created a piece inspired by liberation, growing up in New Orleans, power, nature, Black culture and sports culture.
Bryan Brown, an artist whose work focuses on New Orleans culture, random but beautiful moments, and philosophy, has created “The Big Brain,” a representation of getting mentally healthy to unlock one’s true full potential.
1985 Poet; Artist: Monique Lorden, an artist and author and co-illustrator of “I Wish for Freedom,” a poetic picture book, was inspired by her memories of hooping at the park to create “Hoops Dreams and Poetry,” a visual story of childhood hope and community.

Money Issues × Relationships

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Are Money Issues Ruining Your Relationship?

Read on for 5 tips to resolve them.

The COVID-19 pandemic has played havoc with families’ finances through lost jobs, squeezed budgets, increased debt, and missed payments.

Money and the decisions spouses make with it are one of the main sources of stress among couples, and sometimes money issues end relationships or cause divorce. But differences can be solved or managed if couples learn to listen to each other and work as a team to formulate a sensible plan, says financial planner Aaron Leak, the founder of ECL Private Wealth Management.

“No matter how long you have been together, financial issues can wreak havoc on a committed relationship,” Leak says. “When couples don’t agree about spending and saving habits, it causes arguments and resentment.

“But understanding what you’re fighting about and why helps you and your partner come up with solutions. By being transparent and honest with each other about your finances, you can not only prevent arguments that strain your relationship, but you will strengthen it.”

Leak offers these tips for couples to address and resolve financial issues:

Understand your money styles. Think of some extreme examples of money styles in your circle. Like your friend, the foodie, who won’t touch a bottle of wine that costs less than $75. Or your sister who constantly surfs Amazon. Or your mom who washes aluminum foil, then folds and reuses it. Everyone has a money style, and it’s helpful to talk about it without any name-calling or labeling involved. Understanding your partner’s spending habits often involves a deep dive into money fears, scarcity memories and childhood traumas. Come up with a spending plan that works for both of you.

Decide how to divvy up the bills and save for future goals. You can both put all your earnings in a joint account and pay everything out of that. Or you can split bills down the middle and keep the rest of your own earnings for yourselves. Once you have decided how the bills get paid, you need to devise a plan for saving for your long-term goals. Remember that you need to work closely together as life changes arise – such as one of you losing a job or cutting back on hours to care for a parent. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that contingency plans are always advisable.
Create personal spending allowances that stay personal. Having some personal money that’s designated just for you each month can really help how you feel about your relationship. It can also help avoid relationship-ruining behavior like “financial infidelity,” when one spouse hides money or purchases from the other. The personal spending allowance gives each partner the chance to spend their money however they wish, no questions asked.
Face and eliminate undesirable debt. Couples should employ a strategy to pay off debt, such as paying off the higher-interest debt first or paying off the smallest loans first (the snowball method). Payments on credit cards, car loans, and student loans can devour monthly budgets, so the sooner they are paid off, the better.
Set a budget you can live with. One of the best ways to keep in sync with your partner financially is to have a budget as part of your overall plan. The budget includes your household bills, your personal spending allowance, your debt-paying strategy, and your monthly budget for long-term goals like retirement.

“Relationships take consistent work in order to be happy and successful, and money management is a big part of it,” Leak says. “The best way to be sure you and your spouse are staying on the same page financially is to talk honestly and without judgment.”

About Aaron Leak

Aaron Leak has 16 years of experience in the financial industry and is the founder of ECL Private Wealth Management. He holds Series 7, 6, 63 and 66 licenses as well as life, health, and property and casualty insurance licenses.

Lady Gaga × Dom Pérignon

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Today, more than ever, the world needs the power of creative freedom. A force to open up new horizons, to move us forward. A force that brings Lady Gaga and Dom Pérignon together for a collaboration.

This is the celebration of how pushing boundaries of creation, constant reinvention and passionate dedication to one’s craft can elevate us, individually and collectively.

Starting April 6, in the shape of an artistic project comprising an advertising campaign, limited edition bottles and a sculpture designed by Lady Gaga… Emerges an invitation to enter the shared universe of two iconic creators.

Because Dom Pérignon wholeheartedly embraces the causes of the artists it collaborates with, this alliance will empower meaningful support for Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation.

National Aerobatics Day

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National Aerobatics Day on June 26 highlights precision flight

The International Aerobatics Club is hosting its inaugural National Aerobatics Day on June 26 to showcase the skill, beauty, and excitement of competition aerobatic flight. The IAC is a division of the Experimental Aircraft Association and manages the sport of aerobatics in the United States.

The skill, beauty, and excitement of aerobatic flight will be celebrated on Saturday, June 26, during the inaugural National Aerobatics Day, as announced by the International Aerobatics Club (IAC).

“National Aerobatics Day is the perfect day to host an aerobatic camp, a BBQ, a practice session, or to share videos of aerobatic activity online,” said Jim Bourke, IAC President. “With over 40 chapters nationwide and two international chapters, IAC members will be organizing these types of activities and others to engage the public and general aviation pilots in aerobatics.” IAC has established National Aerobatics Day as the fourth Saturday in June each year. It will highlight the dedicated pilots who fly these precision maneuvers as well as the ground support teams that make it possible.

Greg Principato, President and CEO of the National Aeronautic Association enthusiastically stated: “Aerobatics thrill. They also inspire. And there is no telling to what heights that inspiration will take someone!”

Originally developed as evasive maneuvers during World War I, aerobatics is a proven discipline that builds confidence and improves pilot proficiency. The loops, rolls, hammerheads, and lomcevaks are examples of precision flying at its finest, and most fun!

“There are few things in life and nothing else in aviation that are as joyful and liberating as flying aerobatics,” said John Cudahy, President of the International Council of Air Shows. “And the idea of devoting one day each year to celebrating aerobatics is brilliant.”

The IAC exists to promote the safety and enjoyment of this great sport – what better way to celebrate than to set aside a special day to recognize the aerobatic community, and engage in sharing a passion that too few get to experience?

More information is available – including IAC chapters throughout the country and IAC contest and events calendars for aerobatic activity on June 26 and year-round!

NIKE vs MSCHF

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Nike has filed a federal trademark infringement lawsuit against MSCHF shoes that released a controversial customized version of its sneakers “Satan Shoes” with rapper Lil Nas X. In the lawsuit filed today, Nike accused MSCHF Product Studio, Inc. of trademark infringement over the designer’s 666 pairs of modified Nike sneakers made in collaboration with the “Old Town Road” singer. All 666 pairs sold out Monday.

Fara Sunderji is a partner at the international law firm Dorsey & Whitney in its New York office. Sunderji has extensive expertise in all stages of trademark, copyright, clearance, prosecution, maintenance, enforcement, and litigation. Of the lawsuit she says,

“Nike’s swoosh is probably one of the most recognizable non-word trademarks in the world. You see it and you automatically think of Nike as the source of the good on which it appears. This is how trademarks are supposed to operate, as a source identified. Nike’s case here is pretty simple to understand: MSCHF is selling Nike Air Max 97’s that have been modified in a way in which Nike does not approve. People see these “Satan Shoes” and think they come from Nike and some people don’t like that. Nike, therefore, claims that the release of these “Santa Shoes” is harming its valuable brand,” Sunderji says.

“MSCHF will likely argue that they are protected under a theory called the First Sale Doctrine, which allows third parties to resell trademarked goods that have already entered the marketplace. But the doctrine is limited to the sale of genuine goods. The doctrine is based on the premise that consumers are not being deceived because they are receiving what they have bargained for, the trademarked good. Under Second Circuit case law, goods are not genuine if they do not conform to the brand owner’s quality control standards, and it is easy to guess Nike’s take on this issue – Just don’t do it,” Sunderji says.

According to NBC News, the lawsuit states “We don’t have any further details to share on pending legal matters,” Nike said. “However, we can tell you we do not have a relationship with Lil Nas X or MSCHF.”

Trademark attorney Josh Gerben of Gerben Perrott PLLC stated to CNN Business that “It’s a legal rationale that grants artists who purchase and repurpose individual copyrighted products the ability to express and profit off their own creativity.”. He also pointed out Nike shoe redesigners like MSCHF commonly sell their work on online marketplaces. “You’ve got all kinds of artists that go out there and they take a shoe, and they’ll do a whole bunch of custom art on the shoe and maybe resell it for $1,000-3,000,” Gerben said. “This is something Nike is well aware of and has done absolutely nothing to mess with because there’s a sneaker culture here.”

Lil Nas X isn’t named as a party in the lawsuit. Representatives for the musician did not respond to calls or emails requesting comment.

The backlash from social media is incredible with thousands of people expressing their opinions with the shoes and the representation they bring:

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem tweeted “Our kids are being told that this kind of product, is not only okay, it’s “exclusive.” But do you know what’s more exclusive? Their God-given eternal soul. We are in a fight for the soul of our nation. We need to fight hard. And we need to fight smart. We have to win.”.

Angela Stanton King, founder of American King Foundation, tweeted “I’m sitting here trying to figure out where Nike got the blood from for Lil Nas X 666 shoes (shoe emoji) …Who’s blood is it?”

NBA star Nick Young tweeted “My kids will never play Old Town Road again… I’m still debating about wearing Nike after this come Nike a drop of blood for real”.

On Instagram, celebrity musician Miley Cyrus shares a photo proudly wearing the controversial sneakers, captioning the post “Can you see Satan?”.

The controversial ‘Satan Shoes’ were strategically dropped after the release of Lil Nas X’s music video for “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)”, which has already been viewed more than 54 million times.

Lil Nas X took to Twitter in his true fashion posting “I spent my entire teenage years hating myself because of the shit y’all preached would happen to me because I was gay. So I hope u are mad, stay mad, feel the same anger you teach us to have towards ourselves.”

Your Online Privacy Is in Your Hands

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Many Internet users don’t take online privacy seriously because they believe that they have nothing to hide. Even if you don’t want to secure your data from the curious eyes of big brother, you should be aware of other privacy threats on the Internet.

Other states: Even if you trust your own government, do you trust other states? Many foreign governments take a keen interest in the online activities of other citizens.
Marketers: Advertisers and other businesses use many methods to track your Internet activity to build an online profile that they can sell to other organizations.
Acquaintances: Many people who are curious about you will consume your publicly available data that’s of a private nature.
Stalkers: Ex-partners, jealous lovers, stalkers, or predators can use malicious software to breach your privacy. Some stalkerware can take your pictures and record your videos through webcams when you’re not aware. Stalkerware can also monitor your physical movements through the GPS on your laptop.

Share Your Data Sensibly

It’s a good idea to take basic security precautions on social media. Accept friend requests carefully. Verify suspicious-looking profiles to ensure that they’re legitimate. Limit posts that carry sensitive information to your friends and avoid sharing confidential information publicly.

When downloading apps, avoid handing out permissions needlessly. For example, does your fitness app really need access to your contacts, camera, and videos?

Of course, set strong passwords for all your social media accounts to keep hackers at bay. A good password should be at least 12 characters long and feature upper case letters, lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.

Avoid Suspicious Websites and Emails

Avoid visiting unknown websites and clicking strange emails and files. Cybercriminals can infect fraudulent websites, emails, and files with malware like adware or spyware that’s designed to breach your privacy, security, or both.

Stay Wary of Strangers

Trust your instincts and be cautious. Avoid friend requests from people you don’t trust. Likewise, please don’t click on links from such people as they may be Trojan horse attacks engineered to install stalkerware on your devices. Similarly, don’t accept tech gifts from strangers. For example, a USB drive or keyboard could be a keylogger that records your keystrokes, allowing a cybercriminal to read your emails or learn your login credentials.

Find a Good VPN Service

Protect your network with a firewall and a top-of-the-line VPN service. For example, Malwarebytes VPN protection will encrypt your data with its technologically advanced software and even mask your IP address.

Without your IP address, states, threat actors find it exceptionally challenging to track you to your location across the Internet. There are other advantages to subscribing to an excellent VPN service too. For one, you can bypass geo-blocks and consume entertainment from different parts of the world. For example, a VPN can allow you to watch Netflix USA while in Canada! But please steer clear of free VPNs as they’re slow, carry spyware, and may even spy on you.

In addition to network security tools, use advanced antivirus software to protect yourself from malware like viruses, worms, spyware, adware, ransomware, and even dangerous stalkerware. With the right cybersecurity software and some vigilance, you can surf the Internet all day stress-free.