I’m interested in installing a home security system. I’m leaning towards getting a DIY system? Are there any companies you would recommend?

-From Ruben B.

Answer: One company I would check out is SimpliSafe. It’s a well-known company and I know a lot of people who use it. It’s a DIY option and there’s no reason I wouldn’t give it a try.

 

I was notified by a retail company that my personal information was stolen from their servers. The letter said my information is possibly for sale online. What should I do?

-From Jess L.

Answer: Many ID protection services claim to remove your information from the Dark Web.

Yet, in reality this is pointless. Once data is posted for sale within the Dark Web, it is quickly copied and re-sold.

My point is, by the time the company would detect your information it has already been compromised.

The best thing you can do is monitor your own information to catch any fraud. You should check your credit score regularly along with your bank and credit card statements.

Also, I recommend placing a credit freeze on your accounts with the three major credit bureaus. This should prevent anyone from opening new credit accounts with your information.

 

I’m retiring from California and moving to the mountains of Montana. I know I will be in bear country so I acquired some bear spray. Can I use this against people in a self-defense situation?

-From Henry H.

Answer: Bear and pepper spray are very similar and contain the same ingredient, oleoresin capsicum (OC.) However, the difference is that bear spray contains a much lower concentration.

With that being said, I would imagine there have been cases where folks have been sued for using these products in self-defense since this is the U.S. and people sue anyone for any reason.

The manufacturers of bear spray likely put warning labels on the products saying that they may cause permanent eye damage along with other physical risks.

But, I’ll be honest, if someone is trying to attack or kill me, I’ll use whatever I have on me to defend myself.

My first choice is a gun and then a knife… and if all I had was bear spray, I would use it.

 

I live in an open carry state. I don’t have a concealed weapons permit and I don’t want to get one. I wear a suit jacket to work everyday. If I have a gun on my hip but my suit jacket covers it at times is this still open carry?

-From Jake R.

Answer: The definition of open carry varies from state to state.

Some states specify that open carry occurs when the weapon is “partially visible,” while other jurisdictions require the weapon to be “fully visible” to be considered carried openly.

In addition, some states require that an openly carried firearm remain unloaded.

If people can’t see your gun because your jacket covers it, then it’s concealed.

 

I own a small construction company. I am concerned that one of our assistants has been installing viruses on our computers. How can I catch her doing this?

-From George T.

Answer: First, I would install security cameras in the office. Then I would bring in an outside tech team to scan the computers and see what viruses are on there. You can also consider having this team install a software that monitors computer usage so you can track employee activity.

 

I’m a new gun owner and I purchased a .38 special revolver. Now, I’m wondering if the .38 caliber will be powerful enough to stop an intruder. What do you think?

-From Teresa R.

Answer: The .38 round is a great round for self-defense. But the smaller caliber isn’t the problem with a .38 revolver.

These guns are easy to conceal, but are very difficult to shoot if you don’t practice often.