/https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/legal/service-member-privacy-versus-public-access-to-information/ The struggle between the public's right to know facts about service members and our right to keep our personal information private never seems to favor the individual.
Website Recommendation
Even though more people are becoming interested in privacy and removing ourselves from the internet, it's still difficult to find helpful resources. I have a post with books that are super helpful and podcasts I enjoy. The latest website I've been following is The Markup. One of the coolest posts on the site is called... Continue Reading →
Political Privacy
If you're paying attention to American media, you might feel like you don't know what and who to believe. Regardless of your political leanings, it is absolutely imperative that you protect your identity in today's world of doxing and punishing people based on their political speech. As an example, political leaders are suggesting that the... Continue Reading →
Post-Election Reminder
If you're involved in politics, or even outspoken about your politics, it's a good idea to make sure your personal information is not available online. In 2020, there are more poor losers, and winners, than ever. This is one more reason to be proactive in taking charge of your data. Be smart about who receives... Continue Reading →
Security Overview
Consumer Reports has a new security tool available online for free. Their information is tailored to our individual online uses and behavior. Simply click on the devices and methods you use and the site provides helpful links for improving your safety and online security. To evaluate the site, I clicked on each option available for... Continue Reading →
Zombie Data
The phrase for old data hanging around on servers for decades can have more harmful implications to our privacy. When data brokers scrape public information websites and publish that information, many don't ever go back and clean up the content on their websites. Often that incorrect or harmful information is purchased or scraped and shared... Continue Reading →
Support or Sabotage
Raise your hand if a lot of people have your contact information. The people closest to us can either help or harm our privacy- protection efforts. Our choices sure can generate some awkward conversations. We have to explain why we don't use our real identity on social media and ask others not to reveal it,... Continue Reading →
Contact Lists & Privacy
We work so hard to keep our real names and location offline; managing each other's contact profiles has to become a big part of that. Are you protecting your Contact List like you do your passwords? I listened to two podcasts this week that made me think about this more than I usually do. ... Continue Reading →
PCS Check-in
US Army PCS Info How's your move going? We're mid-move this week with a quick TDY trip and confirming all the packing and loading next week. I'm hopeful, but well aware of everything that can go wrong. All the things. We worked super hard to prep for this PCS season. I followed the past routine... Continue Reading →
Dangerous Days
The Facebook post above illustrates how many law enforcement families feel right now. Current chaos in this country magnifies the danger they face every day to enforce the rule of law in America. It's critical that our personal information not be available to anyone who wants to make their point (whatever it is) in person... Continue Reading →
New Phone Surprises
Buying a new phone soon? Before you personalize any features of the new device, head over to the Permissions menu of the phone. I'm an Android user, so that menu is located in the Settings in the Apps section. By default, your phone settings allow most installed apps that come on your phone to access... Continue Reading →
Masks & Privacy
Interesting times. In our state, facial masks are mandated in all public areas. Of course, our post/base requires them in the commissary and exchange. Don't even think about rolling down your window at the gates now, either. Scan those IDs through the glass, everybody! I don't mind the masks and believe they're better than no... Continue Reading →
Does Privacy Matter During A Pandemic?
It's rare today to find an article that includes several view points, so that's why I'm sharing this one from The Atlantic. Whenever I read TA, I'm looking for something with a left slant, for sure, but I was pleasantly surprised that they at least mentioned Cindy Cohn at EFF and the reports that data... Continue Reading →
2020 PCS, Promotion, & Pandemic
What could go wrong, right? The world is locking its doors. We're scheduled to PCS this summer. Already, we've cancelled the plans we had with family & friends for a promotion ceremony and party. Heartbreaking! In the two years at this address (PO Box), we've managed to keep our location off search engine results! Our... Continue Reading →
Small Mistakes
I succeeded in removing our PII from search engine results after two years of tedious work. It takes commitment to privacy to keep our names and other PII out of search results and most data mining websites. I'm obsessively careful and distrusting of everybody when it comes to my information. My husband is not exactly... Continue Reading →
2020: Take Back Your Data
I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore! Howard Beale, Network motion picture Start 2020 with a privacy goal. We can do simple things to improve and protect our privacy and security. Keeping the mindset that your data belongs to you and no one is entitled to your information is the... Continue Reading →
Bluetooth Scanners Point Out Your Hidden Devices
Another reason to use Faraday bags for your devices: thieves are using scanners to locate hidden devices so they can quickly steal them- and your data. Criminals use high tech gadgets like scanners to locate your devices and steal them- along with your car. First step: Shut down your devices, at a minimum, if... Continue Reading →
Track Your Address
The holidays are an excellent time to make a list of who has your mailing address. We're possibly due for a PCS in 2020, so I'll be contacting the companies who send us mail to change to our new PO Box. We can go for months without a catalog landing in our box, but you... Continue Reading →
Where Does Your Data Live?
Home Just thinking about where our personal data is located makes my heart race. Every time we PCS, I freak out a little bit more about our data at home. I use a filing system to keep the paper and digits under control every day, but it's still a challenge when we move. Part of... Continue Reading →
Growing List of Data Breaches
Last night, I read about another breach or leak of personal data caused by a lack of security in storing/transferring our PII. These frequent stories stress me out and lead to redoubling my efforts to lock down our information (as much as I can). This morning, I decided to start a list of the major... Continue Reading →
Now Hide Me 