On this episode of The Secure Family Podcast, host Andy Murphy sits down with former FBI undercover operative and cybersecurity expert Eric O'Neill for a fascinating conversation about how modern scams really work. Eric explains why today's cybercriminals don't think like hackers—they think like spies, using deception, pressure, impersonation, and psychology to target everyday people.

Andy and Eric break down the fake DMV and toll road text scams that hit millions of phones, how criminals gather personal data to make attacks feel believable, and why AI deepfakes are making scams more dangerous than ever. They also share practical ways families can protect themselves, spot red flags before it's too late, and respond quickly if an account or identity is compromised.

If you want to understand the new world of cybercrime in plain English—and learn how to stay one step ahead—this is an episode you don't want to miss.

Take control of your data with DeleteMe. Because they sponsor the podcast you can get 20% off a privacy plan from DeleteMe with promo code: DAD.

Connect

📧 Subscribe to The Secure Dad emails

📸 Follow The Secure Dad on Instagram

📺 Subscribe to The Secure Dad on YouTube

🖥️ Visit The Secure Dad Website

00:00 Show Welcome

02:05 Meet Eric ONeill

03:51 Only Spies Not Hackers

05:49 Everyone Is A Target

06:33 Scams And Recon

07:52 Opportunity Vs Targeted

10:10 Deepfakes And Kidnap

13:26 Spotting Red Flags

16:16 Verify Through Channels

18:13 Speaker Tax Form Scam

20:15 Cape Town Con Story

26:45 Scam Fallout and Revenge

28:04 Pressure and Confirmation Bias

29:17 DICED and PAID Frameworks

30:57 Prepare Basics and 2FA

33:40 Assess and Social Media Radar

35:15 Investigate and Verify Everything

36:42 Decide to Act and Next Steps

38:07 Victim Response Checklist

42:04 Rapid Fire Scam Q&A

44:30 Critical Infrastructure Fears

47:08 Where to Find Eric and Newsletter

50:08 Final Thoughts

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. The views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Secure Dad, LLC.

The Secure Dad LLC makes every effort to provide accurate, up-to-date information, but no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the content in this podcast or any related materials. Information may change over time, and inadvertent errors or omissions may occur. The Secure Dad LLC is not liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from the use of, or reliance on, any information provided.

The Secure Dad® is a registered trademark of The Secure Dad, LLC. This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, a commission may be earned. All rights reserved.

Why do so many people say, "He came out of nowhere" after a crime happens? The truth is, most threats don't appear out of thin air, they were there the whole time. We just didn't see them.

In this episode, Andy breaks down practical situational awareness skills that can help you stay safer in public, make better decisions faster, and avoid becoming an easy target. You'll learn why watching only the front door can limit your awareness, how time of day changes the safety of any environment, why multitasking and smartphones can make you vulnerable, and how social media can expose your movements before you even arrive.

If you want to feel more confident, more prepared, and more in control when you're out in the world, this episode is for you.

Take control of your data with DeleteMe. Because they sponsor the podcast you can get 20% off a privacy plan from DeleteMe with promo code: DAD.

Connect

📧 Subscribe to The Secure Dad emails

📸 Follow The Secure Dad on Instagram

📺 Subscribe to The Secure Dad on YouTube

🖥️ Visit The Secure Dad Website

00:00 Welcome: Why Awareness Matters

02:15 Why Threats Don't "Come Out of Nowhere"

03:12 What Situational Awareness Really Is

04:20 Why Watching the Door Isn't Enough

06:28 Look for What Doesn't Belong

06:55 How Time Changes Safe Places

09:18 The Myth of Multitasking

10:35 Smartphones, Headphones, and Easy Targets

12:05 Digital Recon and Oversharing Online

12:58 Most Likely vs Worst-Case Thinking

16:05 Awareness Buys Time, Action Saves Lives

18:32 Simple Ways to Start

20:02 Resources and Final Thoughts

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. The views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Secure Dad, LLC.

The Secure Dad LLC makes every effort to provide accurate, up-to-date information, but no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the content in this podcast or any related materials. Information may change over time, and inadvertent errors or omissions may occur. The Secure Dad LLC is not liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from the use of, or reliance on, any information provided.

The Secure Dad® is a registered trademark of The Secure Dad, LLC. This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, a commission may be earned. All rights reserved.

Andy sits down with Joe Scalone of Yubico to break down why passwords are no longer enough to keep your family safe online and what's replacing them.

Joe explains how passkeys and physical security keys are changing the future of cybersecurity, why hackers are moving faster than ever (thanks to AI), and what that means for everyday families.

The conversation also dives into parenting in a digital world from managing kids' online identities to building trust, communication, and smart guardrails at home.

They also tackle the controversial rise of age verification, digital IDs, and whether giving your face or ID to tech companies is a risk parents should be concerned about.

For more on Yubico check out: https://www.yubico.com/

Take control of your data with DeleteMe. Because they sponsor the podcast you can get 20% off a privacy plan from DeleteMe with promo code: DAD.

Connect

📧 Subscribe to The Secure Dad emails

📸 Follow The Secure Dad on Instagram

📺 Subscribe to The Secure Dad on YouTube

🖥️ Visit The Secure Dad Website

00:00 – Intro & scam text story

02:20 – Meet Joe Scalone and Yubico

03:00 – Why passwords are broken

04:30 – What passkeys are (and why they matter)

06:00 – Are passwords going away?

07:00 – How security changes over time (credit cards → biometrics)

10:00 – Evolution of cybersecurity (from physical to AI threats)

12:30 – AI: helping defenders and attackers

14:00 – Why physical security keys still matter

15:30 – Is text-message 2FA enough?

16:30 – Prioritizing security for different accounts

17:30 – Family security: Netflix, school, Roblox

19:30 – Parenting approach: trust, verify, communicate

22:00 – Practical guardrails for kids online

25:00 – Age verification & digital identity explained

27:00 – Should you trust companies with your face/ID?

29:30 – The future of digital ID (10–15 years out)

31:30 – Teaching kids to protect their identity

33:30 – What's next for kids online (gaming, social, attention economy)

37:00 – Parenting through tech (building PCs, bonding)

39:00 – How fast weak passwords get hacked

40:30 – Most overrated online safety advice

41:30 – Where to find Joe & closing thoughts

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. The views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Secure Dad, LLC.

The Secure Dad LLC makes every effort to provide accurate, up-to-date information, but no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the content in this podcast or any related materials. Information may change over time, and inadvertent errors or omissions may occur. The Secure Dad LLC is not liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from the use of, or reliance on, any information provided.

The Secure Dad® is a registered trademark of The Secure Dad, LLC. This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, a commission may be earned. All rights reserved.

Home Security on a Budget: Practical, Low-Cost Upgrades for Families

In this episode, Andy shares inexpensive, practical ways to improve home security amid rising costs. He points out that safety is a personal responsibility and that effective security is often low-tech. The tips he shares can be for families who rent or own their homes as many ideas don't require permanent installation.

Take control of your data with DeleteMe. Because they sponsor the podcast you can get 20% off a privacy plan from DeleteMe with promo code: DAD.

Defend your home with FlipLok. Listeners get 20% off when using discount code SECUREDAD at checkout.

WYZE Core Home Security Kit: https://amzn.to/41dMLkx

WYZE Outdoor Bulb Camera: https://amzn.to/4rZpAFt

Connect

📧 Subscribe to The Secure Dad emails

📸 Follow The Secure Dad on Instagram

📺 Subscribe to The Secure Dad on YouTube

🖥️ Visit The Secure Dad Website

00:00 Welcome to Secure Family

01:04 DMV Text Scam Story

01:33 DeleteMe Privacy Sponsor

02:17 Home Security on a Budget

02:50 Affordable Alarm Systems

05:07 Remove Listing Photos

06:42 Reinforce Doors and Locks

07:39 Secondary Lock Upgrade

08:30 Timers and Lighting Tricks

10:31 Budget Security Shopping List

11:33 Wrap Up and Next Steps

12:07 Outro and Where to Follow

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. The views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Secure Dad, LLC.

The Secure Dad LLC makes every effort to provide accurate, up-to-date information, but no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the content in this podcast or any related materials. Information may change over time, and inadvertent errors or omissions may occur. The Secure Dad LLC is not liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from the use of, or reliance on, any information provided.

The Secure Dad® is a registered trademark of The Secure Dad, LLC. This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, a commission may be earned. All rights reserved.

CSM Bart Womack on Surviving Betrayal and Practicing Proactive Situational Awareness

Host Andy speaks with retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major Bart Womack about his book, "Embedded Enemy," recounting the March 2003 Camp Pennsylvania insider attack in Kuwait.

Womack describes the chaos of responding in darkness with limited ammo and visibility, coordinating security, casualty collection, evacuation and ultimately identifying and apprehending Sgt. Hasan Akbar.

He shares how the incident reshaped his concept of trust and outlines proactive situational awareness strategies—trust analysis, observe/listen/report, "listen don't just hear," know your neighbor/coworkers, gut checks, and recognizing signs—using examples from schools, social media threats, and everyday suspicious behavior.

For more from Command Sergeant Major Bart Womack visit: https://bartwomack.com/

Take control of your data with DeleteMe. Because they sponsor the podcast you can get 20% off a privacy plan from DeleteMe with promo code: DAD.

Connect

📧 Subscribe to The Secure Dad emails

📸 Follow The Secure Dad on Instagram

📺 Subscribe to The Secure Dad on YouTube

🖥️ Visit The Secure Dad Website

00:00 Welcome

02:04 Meet CSM Bart Womack

03:24 Kuwait Night Begins

05:30 Explosions in the Tent

08:39 No Ammo Response

11:57 Chaos and Casualties

18:32 Suspect Identified

20:38 Akbar Captured

26:20 Aftermath and Losses

29:53 Lessons Under Fire

37:28 Trust Shattered

44:12 Diary Reveals Motive

46:22 Trust No One

50:14 Proactive Awareness Basics

51:25 School Shooter Reality Check

53:49 Observe Listen Report

57:57 Know Your Neighbor

01:02:55 Listen Dont Just Hear

01:10:35 Gut Check And Signs

01:16:07 Closing Thoughts

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. The views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Secure Dad, LLC.

The Secure Dad LLC makes every effort to provide accurate, up-to-date information, but no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the content in this podcast or any related materials. Information may change over time, and inadvertent errors or omissions may occur. The Secure Dad LLC is not liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from the use of, or reliance on, any information provided.

The Secure Dad® is a registered trademark of The Secure Dad, LLC. This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, a commission may be earned. All rights reserved.

How Your Data Is Collected, Sold, and Used—and What You Can Do About It

In this episode of The Secure Family Podcast, Andy explains how a vast personal data economy collects, combines, and sells information about people - fueling targeted marketing and enabling scams, stalking, and harassment.

He cites examples and reporting on government agencies purchasing access to location data and the expansion of vehicle-tracking databases, and recounts cases where people-search sites were used to target victims. He also warns that old real-estate listing photos can expose home layouts and explains how to remove listing photos from major platforms.

Take control of your data with DeleteMe. Because they sponsor the podcast you can get 20% off a privacy plan from DeleteMe with promo code: DAD.

Connect

📧 Subscribe to The Secure Dad emails

📸 Follow The Secure Dad on Instagram

📺 Subscribe to The Secure Dad on YouTube

🖥️ Visit The Secure Dad Website

00:00 Welcome to the Show

02:08 The Hidden Data Economy

04:01 What Data Brokers Collect

06:41 Where Your Data Comes From

09:02 Apps and Location Tracking

10:55 License Plate Reader Networks

12:58 Why It Matters in Real Life

15:34 Your Home Photos Online

17:30 Practical Privacy Steps

19:02 Kids and Digital Footprints

22:13 Final Thoughts

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. The views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Secure Dad, LLC.

The Secure Dad LLC makes every effort to provide accurate, up-to-date information, but no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the content in this podcast or any related materials. Information may change over time, and inadvertent errors or omissions may occur. The Secure Dad LLC is not liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from the use of, or reliance on, any information provided.

The Secure Dad® is a registered trademark of The Secure Dad, LLC. This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, a commission may be earned. All rights reserved.

The Waffle House Index and Other Ways to Know You're In Trouble

In this episode, Andy talks with preparedness expert Sam Amyett of MAD Gear, who emphasizes true preparedness as making realistic plans rather than simply collecting gear.

They discuss balancing preparedness with anxiety through calm family leadership, normalizing drills, and using confident language. This way when things go wrong, everyone feels confident they can do their part. And then they talk about Waffle House.

Find out more about Sam and MAD Gear: https://madgear.shop/

Upgrade Your Radio with an antenna from ZBM2 Industries. Use discount code SECURE for 15% off your order at https://zbm2industries.com

Take control of your data with DeleteMe. Because they sponsor the podcast you can get 20% off a privacy plan from DeleteMe with promo code: DAD.

Connect

📧 Subscribe to The Secure Dad emails

📸 Follow The Secure Dad on Instagram

📺 Subscribe to The Secure Dad on YouTube

🖥️ Visit The Secure Dad Website

00:00 Show Introduction

02:32 Meet Sam Amyett

04:03 Planning Over Gear

04:52 Three Core Family Plans

06:05 Evacuation Triggers

08:23 Waffle House Index

09:28 Preparedness Without Anxiety

13:09 Common Mistakes and Triggers

16:01 Budgeting Time and Money

18:48 Research Local Risks

21:12 Black Swan Planning

22:40 Backup Comms Basics

23:26 Three Layer Comms Plan

25:29 GMRS Practice Matters

28:13 Everyday Prep Essentials

30:25 Phone Tools Offline

32:24 First Aid Over Gear

32:59 Food Storage Reality

34:27 Where To Find Mad Gear

36:05 Wrap Up And Final Thoughts

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. The views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Secure Dad, LLC.

The Secure Dad LLC makes every effort to provide accurate, up-to-date information, but no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the content in this podcast or any related materials. Information may change over time, and inadvertent errors or omissions may occur. The Secure Dad LLC is not liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from the use of, or reliance on, any information provided.

The Secure Dad® is a registered trademark of The Secure Dad, LLC. This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, a commission may be earned. All rights reserved.

No Bars, No Fees, No Problem: Understanding Meshtastic

Andy from The Secure Family Podcast sits down with Sam Amyett from MAD Gear for an unfiltered bonus conversation about one of the nerdiest, coolest, and occasionally most frustrating communication tools around: Meshtastic.

This isn't a polished tutorial. It's two guys who love radios, preparedness, and experimenting with gear talking honestly about what makes Meshtastic awesome and what makes you want to throw your node across the yard.

If you've ever wondered why grown adults get excited about little antennas talking to each other across town, this episode will make a lot of sense. And if you've already gone down the Meshtastic rabbit hole, you'll definitely recognize a few of these stories.

Find out more about Sam and MAD Gear: https://madgear.shop/

Upgrade Your Radio with an antenna from ZBM2 Industries. Use discount code SECURE for 15% off your order at https://zbm2industries.com

Connect

📧 Subscribe to The Secure Dad emails

📸 Follow The Secure Dad on Instagram

📺 Subscribe to The Secure Dad on YouTube

🖥️ Visit The Secure Dad Website

00:00 Meshtastic in Plain English

02:02 How Mesh Networks Hop

03:37 Why It Beats Cell Texting

05:15 Range Reality Check

06:55 Boosting Range Basics

08:56 Device Types Explained

13:22 All-in-One vs Phone App

15:30 Web Client and Remote Nodes

18:02 Best Starter Gear Picks

19:28 Propagation Testing Basics

20:45 Out of Box Nodes

21:00 Building a Local Mesh

22:14 From Rural to Austin

23:40 Be the Network Builder

24:46 MQTT Explained Simply

25:47 MQTT Tradeoffs and Noise

28:32 Private MQTT Chat Rooms

31:12 Advice for Beginners

33:47 The Standard Device Dream

34:52 Baofeng Mesh Mod Ideas

37:42 Where to Find Mad Gear

38:32 Coast to Coast Wrap Up

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. The views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Secure Dad, LLC.

The Secure Dad LLC makes every effort to provide accurate, up-to-date information, but no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the content in this podcast or any related materials. Information may change over time, and inadvertent errors or omissions may occur. The Secure Dad LLC is not liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from the use of, or reliance on, any information provided.

The Secure Dad® is a registered trademark of The Secure Dad, LLC. This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, a commission may be earned. All rights reserved.