ShieldsUp.Live
Enterprise Information Security Specialist & Content Creator
Welcome to my platform, where I combine 28 years of experience in cybersecurity with a passion for testing cutting-edge technology. My mission is to empower individuals and organizations to enhance their home internet privacy and security through knowledge, tools, and expert advice.
Over nearly three decades in the cybersecurity field, I’ve witnessed its remarkable evolution. What began as a focus on perimeter defense and reactive measures has grown into a proactive, strategic discipline. Today’s cybersecurity landscape is shaped by advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and behavioral analytics, enabling real-time threat detection and response.
The rise of cloud computing, mobile devices, and the Internet of Things (IoT) has dramatically expanded the attack surface, demanding innovative strategies to safeguard digital assets. My work emphasizes:
• Proactive Threat Management: Continuous monitoring, threat intelligence sharing, and advanced threat-hunting techniques.
• Dynamic Solutions: Adapting to evolving technologies to protect diverse digital environments.
• Empowering Through Education: Helping individuals and businesses understand and mitigate risks to create safer digital experiences.
As a content creator, I test and review tools that enhance your digital life, offering practical insights to strengthen your online security.
Book a Free Initial Consultation
Take the first step toward securing your digital assets. Contact me at Help@shieldsup.live.
Cyber Awareness at home
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Empowering Families with Smarter Internet Safety
Many families are unaware of the types of traffic flowing through their home networks or the importance of implementing proper content filtering—especially for children. Without the right measures, even the most well-secured systems can be bypassed.
My approach goes beyond securing your network. I focus on educating children about why and how to stay safe online, fostering responsible internet habits that last a lifetime.
Today’s tech-savvy kids often find ways to circumvent home protection settings, whether through VPNs or other methods. I’ve seen it firsthand, and I’m here to help. My solutions ensure that:
• VPN and App Safeguards: Apps installing VPN software don’t compromise your WiFi security.
• Home Network Integrity: Even advanced features like Apple’s “Private Relay” won’t undermine your carefully implemented policies.
• Family-Centric Education: Clear, practical advice to empower both parents and children.
Don’t let your efforts go to waste. Secure your home, protect your family, and build a safer digital environment for everyone under your roof.
Book a Consultation
For questions or to schedule a session, contact me at Help@shieldsup.live.
28 + Years of real world experience
step 1
Step-by-Step Guide: Choosing Between Google DNS and Cloudflare DNS
Selecting the right DNS server can significantly enhance your internet experience. Both Google DNS and Cloudflare DNS are reliable options, but their features and focus areas differ. Below is a step-by-step breakdown to help you make an informed decision.
Step 1: Understand the Basics of DNS
The Domain Name System (DNS) acts as the internet’s address book, translating human-readable domain names into IP addresses. Switching to a third-party DNS provider like Google or Cloudflare can improve: • Website loading speeds. • Privacy and security features. • Overall internet reliability.
Step 2: Key Features of Google DNS
Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) is backed by Google’s extensive global infrastructure, ensuring high performance and reliability. Key benefits include: • Speed and Reliability: Google DNS is renowned for fast query responses and uptime. • Privacy Enhancements: Supports DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT) to encrypt DNS traffic and protect against eavesdropping. • Global Reach: Leveraging Google’s network ensures consistent performance worldwide.
Consideration: While Google DNS offers excellent performance, some users may be concerned about Google’s data collection practices, as using their DNS could provide insights into your internet activity.
Step 3: Key Features of Cloudflare DNS
Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) is designed with privacy as a priority, making it a strong competitor. Key benefits include: • Privacy Focus: Cloudflare explicitly states it does not log identifying data, making it a trusted choice for privacy-conscious users. • Performance: Offers speed comparable to Google DNS, with a focus on reducing latency for users globally. • Family-Friendly Options: Cloudflare provides DNS configurations with built-in malware and content filtering (e.g., 1.1.1.2 for malware filtering and 1.1.1.3 for adult content blocking).
Step 4: Choosing the Right DNS for Your Needs • Performance-Focused Users: If speed and uptime are your main priorities, both Google and Cloudflare are strong contenders. Test both to see which performs better in your specific location. • Privacy-Conscious Users: Cloudflare DNS is a better choice for users prioritizing privacy and minimal data logging. • Parental Controls: Cloudflare’s family-focused DNS settings make it ideal for homes needing content filtering.
Step 5: Implementation and Testing
After choosing a DNS provider: 1. Update your DNS settings on your router or individual devices. 2. Test your internet connection for speed, privacy, and security. 3. Monitor performance over time to ensure it meets your expectations.
Professional InsightAs an expert with nearly three decades in cybersecurity, I recommend evaluating DNS options based on your unique needs—balancing performance, privacy, and additional features. Proper DNS configuration can significantly enhance your digital security and online experience.
For tailored guidance or a free consultation, contact me at Help@shieldsup.live.
Selecting the right DNS server can significantly enhance your internet experience. Both Google DNS and Cloudflare DNS are reliable options, but their features and focus areas differ. Below is a step-by-step breakdown to help you make an informed decision.
Step 1: Understand the Basics of DNS
The Domain Name System (DNS) acts as the internet’s address book, translating human-readable domain names into IP addresses. Switching to a third-party DNS provider like Google or Cloudflare can improve: • Website loading speeds. • Privacy and security features. • Overall internet reliability.
Step 2: Key Features of Google DNS
Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) is backed by Google’s extensive global infrastructure, ensuring high performance and reliability. Key benefits include: • Speed and Reliability: Google DNS is renowned for fast query responses and uptime. • Privacy Enhancements: Supports DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT) to encrypt DNS traffic and protect against eavesdropping. • Global Reach: Leveraging Google’s network ensures consistent performance worldwide.
Consideration: While Google DNS offers excellent performance, some users may be concerned about Google’s data collection practices, as using their DNS could provide insights into your internet activity.
Step 3: Key Features of Cloudflare DNS
Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) is designed with privacy as a priority, making it a strong competitor. Key benefits include: • Privacy Focus: Cloudflare explicitly states it does not log identifying data, making it a trusted choice for privacy-conscious users. • Performance: Offers speed comparable to Google DNS, with a focus on reducing latency for users globally. • Family-Friendly Options: Cloudflare provides DNS configurations with built-in malware and content filtering (e.g., 1.1.1.2 for malware filtering and 1.1.1.3 for adult content blocking).
Step 4: Choosing the Right DNS for Your Needs • Performance-Focused Users: If speed and uptime are your main priorities, both Google and Cloudflare are strong contenders. Test both to see which performs better in your specific location. • Privacy-Conscious Users: Cloudflare DNS is a better choice for users prioritizing privacy and minimal data logging. • Parental Controls: Cloudflare’s family-focused DNS settings make it ideal for homes needing content filtering.
Step 5: Implementation and Testing
After choosing a DNS provider: 1. Update your DNS settings on your router or individual devices. 2. Test your internet connection for speed, privacy, and security. 3. Monitor performance over time to ensure it meets your expectations.
Professional InsightAs an expert with nearly three decades in cybersecurity, I recommend evaluating DNS options based on your unique needs—balancing performance, privacy, and additional features. Proper DNS configuration can significantly enhance your digital security and online experience.
For tailored guidance or a free consultation, contact me at Help@shieldsup.live.
Step 2
speed and reliability:
If speed and reliability are your main concerns, Google DNS servers may be a good choice due to their established network infrastructure.- If privacy and security are top priorities for you, Cloudflare DNS servers are known for their privacy-focused approach and commitment to user data protection.
home internet stability Issues Affecting Internet Stability:
- Issues that could cause internet stability problems include network congestion, bandwidth limitations, wireless interference, outdated hardware, DNS issues, among others. To improve internet stability, consider upgrading your internet plan, using a wired connection, optimizing Wi-Fi network, updating hardware, and monitoring network traffic.
Optimize, Latencey?
To help you get started, I've highlighted a few key items. The core device, which is essential for your journey, is listed below. From there, we'll progressively build on that. This is a minor investment that far outweighs the stress and headaches of trying to fix your identity issues or understanding why your internet speed fluctuates. It also helps identify which device(s) might be causing latency issues. So, let's embark on this journey together to enhance your digital experience.
Ubiquiti Wired UniFi Dream Machine SE (UDM-SE) latest model!
https://amzn.to/3GBnyWD
For a more basic unit, Ubiquiti UniFi Dream Router
https://amzn.to/4ainnxh
Step 2: POE switch to power your access points and or your security cameras or any power over Ethernet devices .
The below one I mentioned is meant for more devices and future proof your devices. This is the highest grade home device available. I personally have this in my home.
Ubiquiti Switch Enterprise 48 PoE | 48-Port Managed Layer 3 Multi-Gigabit PoE Switch
https://amzn.to/46MKQUc
Smaller unit for smaller setup.
Ubiquiti USW-LITE-16-POE UniFi Switch Lite 16 Port Gigabit Managed Switch with 8 POE+ Ports
https://amzn.to/3uLZr4U
Step 2: Launch your wifi access points.
To add access points and evolve your next generation access points.
Ubiquiti UniFi AP AC PRO 802.11ac Scalable Enterprise Wi-Fi Access Point (UAP-AC-PRO-E-US)
https://amzn.to/3Rk9Z2K
Ubiquiti UniFi 6 Lite Access Point
https://amzn.to/41fpb5O
Ubiquiti Networks UniFi nanoHD
https://amzn.to/48dJeEi
Ubiquiti Networks UniFi UAP-AC-PRO
https://amzn.to/3GJ4S7j
Ubiquiti Networks Networks Networks UniFi AP AC | In Wall
https://amzn.to/3uPHHWp
Ubiquiti Wired UniFi Dream Machine SE (UDM-SE) latest model!
https://amzn.to/3GBnyWD
For a more basic unit, Ubiquiti UniFi Dream Router
https://amzn.to/4ainnxh
Step 2: POE switch to power your access points and or your security cameras or any power over Ethernet devices .
The below one I mentioned is meant for more devices and future proof your devices. This is the highest grade home device available. I personally have this in my home.
Ubiquiti Switch Enterprise 48 PoE | 48-Port Managed Layer 3 Multi-Gigabit PoE Switch
https://amzn.to/46MKQUc
Smaller unit for smaller setup.
Ubiquiti USW-LITE-16-POE UniFi Switch Lite 16 Port Gigabit Managed Switch with 8 POE+ Ports
https://amzn.to/3uLZr4U
Step 2: Launch your wifi access points.
To add access points and evolve your next generation access points.
Ubiquiti UniFi AP AC PRO 802.11ac Scalable Enterprise Wi-Fi Access Point (UAP-AC-PRO-E-US)
https://amzn.to/3Rk9Z2K
Ubiquiti UniFi 6 Lite Access Point
https://amzn.to/41fpb5O
Ubiquiti Networks UniFi nanoHD
https://amzn.to/48dJeEi
Ubiquiti Networks UniFi UAP-AC-PRO
https://amzn.to/3GJ4S7j
Ubiquiti Networks Networks Networks UniFi AP AC | In Wall
https://amzn.to/3uPHHWp
why worry?
Common issues causing slow or unstable internet during streaming include network congestion, insufficient bandwidth, wireless interference, outdated hardware, distance from router, network settings, background downloads, ISP throttling, server issues, and device limitations.
Audit your home wifi
Majority of folks I have run into, do not realize what type of data, how much data is being transmitted out
Industries
Your challenges
Case study
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Story 2
coming soon !