BreachExpress

Cybersecurity, explained for the rest of us.

Abstract visualization of email traveling between servers with partial encryption indicators
→ Encryption

Why most email is unencrypted in transit — and what that actually means

Margot 'Magic' Thorne · 11 min · email-security · encryption · privacy · email · tls · end-to-end-encryption

Regular email travels in cleartext between servers. Here's the reality behind email encryption, what actually protects your messages, and what doesn't.

Laptop screen displaying VPN connection settings with encryption protocols, server locations, and security features highlighted
→ VPN & Privacy

What to Look for in a VPN: The Features That Actually Matter

Not all VPNs protect you equally. Here's the step-by-step guide to evaluating encryption, logging policies, kill switches, and the features that actually secure your traffic.

12 min · Margot 'Magic' Thorne · Jul 29

Automated login attempts testing stolen credentials across multiple websites
→ Passwords & Auth

Credential stuffing attacks: automated login fraud, explained

Credential stuffing uses stolen passwords from one breach to break into other accounts. Here's the underlying mechanism, why reused passwords make it work, and how to stop it.

11 min · Margot 'Magic' Thorne · Jul 29

Map of the United States with states highlighted in different colors representing different privacy law statuses
→ General

Privacy regulations changing in your state: What the 2026 laws actually mean

New state privacy laws take effect in 2026. Here's the underlying mechanism, what rights you gain, and the step-by-step process to use them.

11 min · Margot 'Magic' Thorne · Jul 28

Phone screen showing multiple group chat notifications with decision flowchart overlay
→ General

Should I Leave This Group Chat? A Step-by-Step Decision Guide

Group chats create real social and security tradeoffs. Here's the practical framework to decide when to stay, when to leave, and how to protect yourself either way.

12 min · Margot 'Magic' Thorne · Jul 28

A laptop displaying a tax filing interface sits on a desk next to a stack of W-2 forms and a coffee mug, with a padlock icon overlaid on the screen.
→ General

Tax return security: filing safely online

Filing taxes online is mostly safe, but the risks are real and specific. Here's what actually protects your return, what doesn't, and when paper makes sense.

12 min · Margot 'Magic' Thorne · Jul 27

Small business owner reviewing password security checklist on laptop while employee works at desk in background
→ Passwords & Auth

Employee Password Policies That Actually Work: A Small Business Guide

Step-by-step walkthrough to build a password policy employees will follow. Here's what to require, what to skip, and how to enforce it without IT staff.

12 min · Margot 'Magic' Thorne · Jul 27