The Secure Family Podcast

Andy Murphy

Hosted by Andy Murphy, The Secure Family Podcast is your trusted source for practical tips to keep your family safe at home, online, and in public. With a focus on empowering parents, each episode delivers simple, actionable strategies to help you protect what matters most. From securing your house to navigating digital safety and staying aware in everyday situations, this podcast makes family safety second nature. The information shared on The Secure Family Podcast is for general information only. The Secure Family Podcast is a production of The Secure Dad LLC. The Secure Dad® is a registered trademark.

  1. 3D AGO

    Spies and Cybercrime with Eric O'Neill

    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.    For more for Eric O'Neill visit: https://ericoneill.net 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.

    51 min
  2. APR 15

    Why Most People Never See It Coming

    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.

    22 min
  3. APR 8

    The Future of Online Identity with Joe Scalone

    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.

    43 min
  4. APR 1

    Home Security? In this economy???

    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.

    13 min
  5. MAR 25

    Betrayed on the Eve of War: The Camp Pennsylvania Attack with Bart Womack

    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.

    1h 18m
  6. MAR 18

    Strangers Can See Your House, Your Address, and Your Life

    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.

    23 min
  7. MAR 11

    Stop Hoarding Gear: Why Your Plan is Probably Garbage with Sam Amyett of MAD Gear

    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.

    37 min
  8. MAR 11 ·  BONUS

    Walkie-Texties: Meshtastic in Plain English with Sam Amyett of MAD Gear

    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.

    39 min
4.7
out of 5
76 Ratings

About

Hosted by Andy Murphy, The Secure Family Podcast is your trusted source for practical tips to keep your family safe at home, online, and in public. With a focus on empowering parents, each episode delivers simple, actionable strategies to help you protect what matters most. From securing your house to navigating digital safety and staying aware in everyday situations, this podcast makes family safety second nature. The information shared on The Secure Family Podcast is for general information only. The Secure Family Podcast is a production of The Secure Dad LLC. The Secure Dad® is a registered trademark.

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