Tor Project

 Researching ways to be safe while online, i learned about TorProject. Tor is a browser like Chrome. Tor uses DuckDuckGo to search engines. The difference is TorProject uses onion layering to mask your identity while online. I tried Tor and didn't have great success in connecting to my blog or bank account. My blog is a Google product that comes with security that i believe didn't recognize Tor and wouldn't allow Tor to open this blog to create this post. I also couldn't access my bank online with Tor. I was able to access mental health resources and search for other information. i'm interested in creating a onion website in the future so that top security measures are in affect when the site has visitors.

From the Tor page: 

Ensuring safe access to human rights research and resources

Onion services are currently the most censorship resistant technology out there because no internet provider or government can detect the connection to the .onion address or block access to it. Their encryption and decentralized nature make them valuable for whistleblowers, ensuring protection against surveillance and enabling access to information in regions with restricted internet access. That is why many news outlets, like the BBC, the New York Times, and Deutsche Welle, or social media platforms like Facebook or Reddit as well as messaging services and human rights organizations have .onion sites on the Tor network to provide secure and uncensored access for their users.

In 2022, we launched our Onion Support group to address the underutilization and lack of understanding of onion services, and further increase onion service adoption among civil society groups, and human rights organizations. We couldn't be happier that one of the most recognized human rights organizations has adopted an onion service to provide greater online protections for those seeking information, support, and advocacy. Amnesty's choice to offer an onion version of their website underlines the role of this open source privacy technology as a vital tool in our shared work of advancing human rights. We encourage others to follow suit and contribute to the broader acceptance of the Tor network and .onion sites.

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If you want to learn more about onion services and are interested in setting up your own .onion site, check out our onion service resources and get in touch. You can also ask questions and start a discussion on the Tor Project Forum.

The Tor Project provides high-level support for onion service deployment and also trains team members on everything to do with Tor to co-create advocacy campaigns around the Tor network and onion services.

Tor is also used by facebook to help with security and censorship. I'm not sure that is working because my fb group pages gets active attacks daily. Threat actors are looking to disrupt the content quality on the group page. Everyday i have to report the spam or nudity post and block the profile, which i bet are fake profiles. The threat actors were successful in discouraging others from posting and visiting the group page. So many fb users often post that their accounts have been hacked. Threat actors thirst for data, some just to make fake profiles and annoy people like myself. Stay vigilant about what we are sharing on social media and try not to give your personal information to people you don't know.

We are in political season and the hacktivist are busy with fake news. Please do your research by connecting to the political offices in your community or on their official websites. 

My next blog i will explore how we can protect our identity and fingerprints when online with any browser. Please note that threat actors are always busy looking to hack into our information, we have the power to block that nonsense when surfing the web or working on our personal devices. 

Proofing Ourselves from Cyber Attacks Using Grow with Google Cybersecurity

 I've started my journey in cybersecurity with the Grow with Google certification program. I really like the work at your own pace platform because i don't feel rushed to learn the subjects. I also like that the videos are translated so that i can take notes.Cybersecurity is important for us all to understand and incorporate in our daily online practices. The Grow with Google platform has so many resources for us to connect to and enhance our understanding of cybersecurity for personal and career growth. 

Cybersecurity aka security is working to ensure confidentialy and integrity by keeping people and  businesses, information and devices protected from unauthorized access. As a cybersecurity analyst i would help protect from risk and outside threats. This work is interesting and helps make a difference in the digital age that we are living in. Best part is Google is doing a great job with the search engine to combat cyber attacks. 

Im not sure what my role will be, but i like keeping us safe and look to host cybersecurity workshops in our communities to help more of us be safe when on our personal devices. This MLK day of service i've partnered with someCommunity partners and STEM professionals to host a family digital literacy workshop introducing our families to computer repair and maintence, cybersecurity and video game development to help bridge the digital divide and promote the lifestyle that people want to live. Entry level is $100,000 in cybersecurity and that beats minimum wage and $15/hr. In 6 months at 7 hours a week we can change our lives and make a difference supporting safe online use. 

Learning the history of how cybersecurity was created helps us to understand how often Threat Actors are looking to hack our systems. Threat Actors are any person or group of person looking to cause cyber harm to our devices, and data. You are instrumental in stopping threat actors from causing harm to your data and devices. Please take 20 minutes to go through the cybersecurity check list and put cybersecurity into practice. Be very careful when opening emails, Phisihing is one of the threat actors favorite ways of stealing information and damaging devices. Be cautious with emails that you don't recognize,  don't click on any links. Instead mark them as phisihing to stop them from coming into your inbox. A perfect example of phisihing is the I Love You virus.   Someone in the office had received an email with the subject “ILOVEYOU” and the message, “kindly check the attached LOVELETTER coming from me.” When they opened what appeared to be a text file — actually an executable program masquerading as one — the virus quickly took control, sending copies of itself to everyone in their email address book. Those recipients, thinking the email was either some weird joke or a serious declaration of love, opened the attachment in turn, spreading it even further. 

https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/01/tech/iloveyou-virus-computer-security-intl-hnk/index.html

Installing security on your devices will also help stop unauthorized access to data. Norton has different packages at a great price, we can afford to be safe online by visiting Best Buy and purchasing Norton 360 Deluxe at $19.99/per year for 3 devices. They also have some packages that come with lifelock to give added protection for a low cost. 

Cybersecurity Challenge with Code.org #QuadCyberChallenge

 

Cybersecurity is about staying safe when on our technology devices at home, on the go or for work. Protecting your data isn't hard to do. i will share what i'm learning and practicing in a series of blogs because being safe on the internet is important when trying to connect to resources. 

CODE.org is hosting the Quad Cyber Challenge

Apeil 10 - 14th. The Quad Cyber Challenge is a great way to get more people to understand protecting their data while online. The series of blogs will come from the checklist activity for the Quad Cyber Challenge

We are in the "Information Age" were "Malicious cyber actors are constantly seeking ways to exploit any opportunity to get in your systems, such as through out-of-date software, unsecure apps that leave your data exposed, or easy-to-guess passwords."

Here are four simple steps everyone should take to enhancecybersecurity at home and in the workplace:

• Think Before You Click: Recognize and Report Phishing: If a link looks a little off, think before you click. It could be an attempt to get sensitive information or install malware.
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• Update Your Software: Don't delay -- If you see a software update notification, act promptly. Better yet, turn on automatic updates. This process of protecting your data is important and should not be put off. 

• Use Strong Passwords/Passphrases: Use passwords that arelong, unique, and randomly generated. Use password managersto generate and remember different, strong passwords for eachof your accounts. A password manager will encrypt passwordssecuring them for you!

• This is how a password manager works

  Intelligent programs that generate secure passwords and store data in a secure digital vault are used in many private homes and companies. The software has an intelligent and secure algorithm and can generate new passwords at the touch of a button. Users can set various options themselves or use the default settings. You can decide on the length of the passwords, upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. With one click of the mouse, the password manager creates an extremely secure password that cannot even be cracked by an experienced hacker.

  The program stores the passwords and other registration data in a secure database, an SSL-encrypted vault. The password manager can securely store online registration data, passwords, payment details, and other personal information. Users can access their stored data from any device with the cloud functionality and automatic synchronization; however, only after users enter their unique master password.

  The automatic form filler saves a lot of time.

  On the one hand, every program creates secure passwords, while on the other hand managing all the data. Which other features are available differs among the password managers. Many developers continuously improve their software and add new, useful features. The automatic form filling function is both particularly handy and time-saving. Such forms can be found on almost all websites. With every online order, names, addresses, and many other fields must be filled in: a laborious, manual process. The password manager completely takes this off users’ hands, saving them a lot of time. All important registration information and passwords are stored in the secured database. In combination with a browser extension, the password manager can automatically fill in these data on all websites.

  Set-up and use

  1. Installation of the password manager
  2. Setting up the browser extensions
  3. Setting up the user account
  4. Generating a secure master password (must not be forgotten)
  5. Importing all data from the browsers
  6. Optional installation of a mobile app
  7. Additional security by means of two-factor authentication (if available)
  8. Local data backup or in the cloud

  Why no one should do without a password manager

  A password manager is inexpensive and the small investment already bears fruits after a short period of time. Purchasers benefit from secure passwords and no longer have to remember them themselves. To access the encrypted database, they always have to enter their master password to then access the stored data from numerous devices. Surfing the Internet becomes significantly more comfortable and secure when forms are filled in automatically.  .https://www.password-manager-comparison.com/lp/the-best-password-managers-us/?source=b&adw-cpn=password-c&c=2840&msclkid=7632f2536d2c146bc39f9643fa9b2e08

• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication: You need more than a password to protect your online accounts, and enabling MFAmakes you significantly less likely to get hacked 
  
  

i'm working on hosting some workshops on cybersecurity with Urban Tech Fair because we all have a role in protecting ourselves and our families while online!!  

the next blog will explore The Tor Project and how they promote safe internet use!! 

please consider sharing this information with your networks!!

  #cyberchallenge #codedotorg #redhenexploring2023 #hov1and2stronger #socialjusticestopstheviolencebridgingthedigitaldivide #quadcyberchallenge

CyberChallenge Checklist:

  https://www.cyberchallenge.tech/_files/ugd/81e583_5e7039a59484499889494a9bd2a93d5a.pdf

Free & Low Cost Digital Literacy Training

Learn More About The Global Gaming Community!!

Gaming Scholarships!!

 I'm Pushing the needle 4 digital literacy!! Sharing information with parents really helps. I often hear from parents that they don't allow their children to play video games or limit the time they play. I inform the parents that gaming is a skill that pays well. Their response is usually that they didn't know of any benefits that gaming offers but will now allow their youth to play more. 

Scratch is the world's largest free coding community for kids.

Code.org

Techgirlz

Roblox 

Roblox Education ( I charge $10/hr to help families get familiar with Roblox and Minecraft)

Minecraft

Sandbox

Digital Literacy demand is huge and causing the shift in our workforce. Here are more resources to help you and your family become digitally literate!!

She Can Code inspired this blog!!

https://boot.dev/

Get the skills you need to grow your career in tech

Jumpstart your tech career with training and job connections at no cost to you!

https://coursecareers.com/explore/it/ref/18242/

Learn Most any computer programing langiage at www.freecodecamp.org

Want some coaching and studying with others to learn web development? You can jump in the fully free 30 week software engineering bootcamp! Note: This bootcamp started in January, but you can still join!  

Resilient Coders is a free and stipended coding bootcamp that trains people of color for careers as software engineers. Everything we do serves our goal of economic liberation. To that end, there is no tuition, and you never have to pay us back -- not even after you get a job. Free is free. We also provide a $1000 learning stipend so you can focus on your learning. This stipend is paid bi-weekly, for as long as you are enrolled in the program.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

As a non-profit organization that provides a program stipend, our students have to meet the following eligibility requirements:

• You are a resident of the Boston or Philadelphia area
• You identify as Black, Indigenous Latinx, or person of color
• You are between the ages of 18 and 30
• You have a low income background. We have a specific racial and socioeconomic mandate
• You are ready and eligible to work in this country
• You can commit to working as a software engineer in the city you applied to immediately following the bootcamp
• High school diploma or equivalency
• No prior technical experience necessary, but a general interest in a career as a software engineering is important 

Facebook Elevate Scholarships for Digital Marketing Skills

Published: Jun 28, 2021

Welcome to Elevate Learning

Apply for a scholarship to earn an industry-recognized career certification

To help support Black students in the community, Facebook is providing free training and resources that can help those interested in pursuing a career in digital marketing.

As part of this effort, we’re awarding 100,000 scholarships to Black students working towards a digital skills certification through our Facebook Blueprint program. These scholarships will allow recipients to take the Facebook Digital Marketing Associate Exam at no cost. Additionally, certified learners will have access to our exclusive job board, where they connect with employers at over 50 top-rated companies.

If you encounter any issues redeeming your voucher, please submit a ticket through Facebook Blueprint Support.

GOOGLE CAREER CERTIFICATES

Job-ready skills you can put to work

Flexible online training programs designed to put you on the fast track to jobs in high-growth fields.

There's Quite a bit Going On In Economic Empowerment

 

Court prevention is key to dismantling systems built against us. When we occupy our time with purpose we are able to live a happy, safe and productive life. Empowerment is key aka exposure to possibilities that some may have thought was not possible.

There is ongoing training to learn how to prepare taxes for free and help families keep their hard-earned money in their pockets. You will also learn about resources to connect yourself and the taxpayers to. Best part you will gain a marketable skill that you can do from home as a professional tax professional. Where can the road of professional tax preparer take you? Please do the research on the six figures you can earn for yourself and family in five months, also look into the next step in tax preparation, becoming an enrolled agent and help people with tax relief programs.

The annual King Day of Service with Global Citizens Greater Philadelphia will happen January 16th at Girard College with focus on Covid. There will also be online the Civic Engagement Expo along with the Job & Opportunity Fair.

Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service Jobs Fair

Looking for employment? Global Citizen, in partnership with The Urban League of Philadelphia, is hosting its 12th annual Jobs & Opportunity Fair as part of the King Day of Service.

The focus of last year's expo was on providing virtual workshops to job seekers before directly connecting them with employers they are interested in speaking with for potential employment. The Jobs Fair took place between 10am-2pm on January 16, 2023, with opportunities for job seekers to connect directly with employers following the workshops presented during that time.

Featured employers included:

• The Urban League of Philadelphia
• Giant
• Habitat for Humanity
• Lincoln Financial Group
• UPS
• Cigna
• AppleOne
• Audacy
• Brown's Superstores
• Power Home Remodeling
• and more!

Please join us for the Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service Jobs & Opportunity Fair on Monday, January 16th 2023. Stay tuned for more details and instructions to sign up.

Housing Is a Huge Concern

Philadelphia Homes For Rent/Sale is on facebook with compassionate landlords

https://www.facebook.com/groups/541055062650111/user/100085546535997/

https://www.apartmentlist.com/ 

Volunteer at the 2023 Flower Show

Volunteering at the Philadelphia Flower Show is a fun way to support PHS and your community! From greeting guests upon arrival, to ensuring guests have the information they need to make the most of their Show experience, to helping guests on their Show departure, PHS volunteers have always played an important role in the Philadelphia Flower Show. No previous experience is necessary – we give you the training you need, and you can choose the day, volunteer experience, and timeframe that works best for you!  

Giving your time to support the Flower Show helps make PHS’s year-round programs to promote health and well-being in the Greater Philadelphia region possible, benefiting 300,000 people annually. And don't forget -- when you volunteer at the Flower Show, you are welcome to explore the entire Show before or after your shift for FREE. PHS Philadelphia Flower Show (phsonline.org)

Our Bodies Are On The Ballot, We Need To Be Loud With Our Votes

 

I attended West Mt. Airy Neighbors  Women's Forum and learned how serious the Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v Jackson is towards healthcare for women in our country. Good news is abortion is legal in Pennsylvania with previsions. Horrifing news is the criminalization of women, doctors and healthcare workers who look to support women seeking an abortion. 

Sad reality in our society of abuse of power is taking place with after hour do what you want to the laws meetings that should be totally illegal. We need amendments to our state and local constitutions protecting women's healthcare. Councilwoman Cindy Bass reflected on her high school days and how the girls who got pregnant and weren't ready to be parents, had to keep the pregnancy because they couldn't afford an abortion. She made the suggestion that abortions should be free. Councilwoman Bass also shared how she attended a church in her district, the weekend of the Supreme Court ruling and was upset by the sermon advocating the ProLife platform. With her comments she was able to highlight concerns for the Afro American community. Infant mortality rates, babies having babies and deeply rooted self righteousness to control others needs to stop. 

We as a society have that power to end these phobic attacks and protect all women's rights. We need more men to step up and be part of the conversation to help change attitudes towards women. i don't want to do what men do, i want to make a way for us women to be women to support each other and build space for us to be women!! What's your view of women? We need to have these conversations in our homes, and various communities. 

At Unitarian on Lincoln Dr discussing #RoePennsylvaniaAndJudicialBypass obtaining an abortion in Pa if you are under 18 #SocialJusticeStopsTheViolence #pavotercourtwatch #hov1and2stronger

You can help protect women's healthcare by talking to as many people as possible about this concern. Please share this information widely!!

Women's Law Project Information and Resources 412-281-2892 215-928-5761 info@womenslawproject.org inofpitt@womenslawproject.org, find an abortion clinic near you www.ineedana.com 

Free Quality Web Development and Javascript Online With #FreeCodeCamp.org & #ClassCentral Starting September 5th

 

I'm Making a Cat Photo App with www.freecodecamp.org

Are you interested in learning how to code your own websites? Are you looking to grow your skills in computer programming and enter the world of developers? Are you ready for the freedom to be who you want to be and work when you want to work?

I learn about tech and www.freecodecamp.org from tech guru  #ShellyPalmer!! You may want to follow Shelly because he shares great information and resources!!

Business, Strategy & Technology Speaker | Shelly Palmer

If you answered yes to any of the above inquires then please plan to invest some time in yourself with #FreeCodeCamp and #ClassCentral six week free HTML, CSS and JavaScript training. These courses are easy to master and level up your portfolio. Age 10 and older can benefit from learning to build websites and apps with www.freecodecamp.org. The best part is Free Code Camp is an open source non-profit with high quality courses. 

What makes #FreeCodeCamp courses high quality?

1. The course materials are very easy to follow
2. All you need is reliable internet and a computer (best if you have a laptop or desktop)
3. If you get stuck in a course, you have several options to get help (i also google for help)
4. There are tons of support at Free Code Camp from social media handles to emails
5. The partnerships with Class Central is just the icing on the cake, offering expert tutoring and guess speakers
6. Best part of #FreeCodeCamp.org is that you gain the digital skills that are in high demand with certification that opens so many doors and opportunities.

Click here too Learn more about these courses, sign up and share with your family and friends please!!

Unity is hosting a free webinar on being an Indie business, you can remove my information and add yours to register!! Tips from indie innovators in getting set up for success (unity.com)

Tuition-Free IT Education 

#SocialJusticeStopsTheViolenceBridgingTheDigitalDivide