Episode 30 - How to Protect Yourself from Cybercriminals with Rivka Tadjer

Your phone is the easiest way for hackers to access your data… and most people don’t realize how exposed they are.

Rivka Tadjer joins Matt O’Neill to break down how cybercrime really works: from SIM swapping and account takeovers to data breaches and the dark web economy. With decades of experience in cybersecurity and fintech, Rivka explains how cybercriminals target individuals and the practical steps you can take to protect your data, secure your phone, and prevent financial fraud.

In this episode of Detonation Point presented by Elastio, you’ll learn how to prevent SIM swapping, why encrypted email is critical, how cybercriminals use stolen data to access your accounts, and crypto to move money.

Key Takeaways

• Use an encrypted email (like Proton Mail) for financial accounts
• Lock down your Apple ID / Google account (enable Screen Time restrictions on iPhone)
• Set a SIM PIN to prevent SIM swapping
• Use a VPN to hide your IP address and protect your network
• Turn off Bluetooth, AirDrop & location services when not in use
• Use an authenticator app instead of SMS for 2FA
• Enable fraud alerts on bank and financial accounts
• Log out of apps when you’re not using them
• Limit sharing sensitive data (SSN, IDs, etc.)

Resources

How to Lock Your Apple ID (Screen Time Settings):

• Go to Settings → Screen Time
• Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions → ON
• Under Allow Changes To, set:
  • Passcode & Face ID → Don’t Allow
  • Account Changes → Don’t Allow
• Tap Use Screen Time Passcode and set a PIN (different from your phone PIN)

How to Set Up a SIM PIN:

• Go to Settings → Cellular
• Tap SIM PIN → ON
• Enter your carrier’s default PIN (if prompted)
  • AT&T / Verizon: 1111
  • T-Mobile: 1234
• Tap Change PIN and create your own

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity Expert Rivka Tadjer

2:03 From Journalism to Cybercrime & Fraud Prevention

4:30 How Cybercrime Actually Works (And Why It Pays)

10:04 The Dark Web Explained: How Your Data Gets Sold

15:12 How Hackers Move Money Using Crypto

17:51 Why You Need an Encrypted Email (And What to Use)

21:19 Paying Ransom Makes You a Bigger Target

27:11 How to Make Your iPhone More Secure (Apple ID + Settings)

30:08 How to Set Up a SIM PIN to Prevent SIM Swapping

35:46 The Risks of Location Services, Bluetooth, and Social Media

40:28 Essential Security Practices for Everyone: A Summary

42:58 Navigating Third Party Risk

48:31 The Future of Voice and Identity Security

About Our Founding Sponsor, Elastio 

This podcast is proudly presented by Elastio, the control point for cyber resiliency—because survival depends on clean recoveries. As our Founding Sponsor, Elastio continuously validates backups, bridging the gap between security tools and immutable storage. With AI-driven detection and zero-day recovery, Elastio ensures data is clean, uncompromised, and always recoverable. Learn more: www.elastio.com