Brad Deflin on How to Stay Safe and Private Online

In today’s hyper-connected world, your greatest vulnerability might be hiding in plain sight—your digital life. In this eye-opening episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles is joined by Brad Deflin, founder of Total Digital Security, a company dedicated to helping individuals take back control of their online privacy and protection. Brad shares why cybersecurity is no longer just an IT concern—it’s a personal responsibility that affects your freedom, identity, and future.

Whether you’re a business leader, a parent, or simply someone trying to navigate the modern web safely, Brad offers a powerful wake-up call and a practical roadmap for defending what matters most in a digital age increasingly ruled by invisible threats.

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The Hidden Risks Lurking in Your Digital Life—And How to Outsmart Them

In this critical episode, cybersecurity expert Brad Deflin joins John R. Miles to uncover the shocking truth about how easily your digital life can be compromised—and what you can do to stop it. From AI-driven scams to the rise of multi-layered phishing attacks, Brad explains how online threats have evolved and why traditional solutions are no longer enough.

But instead of fearmongering, he offers clear, empowering strategies to help you take back control. Drawing from his experience working with high-risk individuals and institutions, Brad breaks down the three main attack surfaces we all need to protect and shares why cybercrime isn’t just a nuisance—it’s becoming a parallel economy.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

• Cybersecurity is personal: It’s not just about protecting devices—it’s about safeguarding your identity, finances, and future.
• Smishing triad exposed: Brad reveals how this sophisticated AI-powered phishing network is fooling even the most tech-savvy individuals.
• Rethink your passwords: Learn why unpredictability and length matter far more than complexity—and how to build bulletproof passphrases.
• Authenticator apps vs. SMS codes: Discover why using tools like Google Authenticator adds a critical layer of protection against hackers.
• How to eliminate risk vectors: Brad outlines the three key digital surfaces—email, devices, and networks—that need airtight defense.
• Culture over tech: Many major cyber breaches stem from a lack of awareness and habits—not flawed software.

WHY IS THIS EPISODE A MUST-LISTEN?

Because digital threats are no longer theoretical—they’re targeting you. Whether it’s your finances, your reputation, or your peace of mind, Brad helps you see that online security isn’t just about firewalls—it’s about intentionality. This conversation equips you with the mindset and tools to live with more autonomy, agency, and protection in a world that’s quietly weaponizing your personal data.

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The Shocking Scale of Cybercrime—and 3 Simple Steps to Protect Yourself

Let’s be real—cybercrime isn’t just “someone else’s problem” anymore. It’s not limited to big corporations or government agencies getting hacked. It’s everyone. From retirees getting scammed out of life savings to influencers having their accounts hijacked and held for ransom, cybercrime has quietly become one of the biggest threats to personal freedom and financial security in the modern world.

Brad Deflin drops a serious wake-up call in this episode: we’re seeing millions of cyberattacks every single day. And it’s not just lone hackers in hoodies. It’s highly organized, corporate-scale crime rings, many backed by nation states like North Korea or China, running slick operations complete with AI, deepfake voice tools, and feedback loops that adapt in real time.

But here’s the thing—most people are walking around totally exposed, thinking “it won’t happen to me.” That’s exactly what the hackers want.

So, how do you fight back? Brad lays it out clearly. If you do just these three things, you can eliminate most of the risk:

The Non-Negotiable 3-Step Digital Safety Plan:

1. Privatize your email
   Stop using free email services (looking at you, Gmail) for anything sensitive. When it’s free, you are the product. Go private, own your data, and drastically reduce phishing risks.
2. Protect your devices
   This means using enterprise-grade antivirus and firewall tools, not just whatever came preinstalled on your laptop. Your phone, computer, and tablet all need to be secured, especially if you move money, trade crypto, or work remotely.
3. Secure your network
   Starbucks Wi-Fi is not your friend. Use a modern VPN and zero-trust security tools to make your traffic invisible and block bad actors before they even try something.

You don’t need to be a tech wizard to do any of this. But you do need to be intentional. As Brad puts it, cybersecurity today is less about the IT department and more about your everyday habits.

Because when it comes to your digital life, hoping for the best isn’t a strategy.

Thanks, Brad Deflin

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RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW WITH BRAD DEFLIN

Please note that some of the links on this page (books, movies, music, etc.) lead to affiliate programs for which The Passion Struck podcast receives compensation. It’s just one of the ways we keep the lights on around here. Thank you so much for being so supportive!

1. Brad Deflin’s Website
2. Brad Deflin’s Instagram
3. Brad Deflin’s LinkedIn
4. APA’s recognition of mattering as critical to child mental health
5. Passion Struck Core Value System: https://passionstruck.com/the-passion-struck-core-belief-system/
6. Listen to Passion Struck’s interviews with New York Times bestselling authors Gretchen Rubin and Seth Godin.
7. Check out Passion Struck’s Episode Starter Packs on Spotify or Passion Struck starter packs to get started with the podcast.

About Today’s Guest, Brad Deflin

Brad Deflin is a leading expert in personal cybersecurity and the founder of Total Digital Security, a firm dedicated to protecting individuals and families from the rapidly evolving threats of the digital age. With a background in senior executive leadership and decades of experience in risk management, Brad specializes in helping high-net-worth individuals, professionals, and organizations take control of their digital privacy and security.

His work bridges the gap between complex cybersecurity technology and everyday users, empowering people to protect their data, identity, and digital autonomy with practical tools and intentional habits. Brad is also a frequent keynote speaker, writer, and advisor on the human side of cybersecurity, helping audiences understand that in today’s world, online protection isn’t optional—it’s personal.

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