How to Take Control of Your Data
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Terrifying. As I read this article, I imagined my grandparents in that situation. That this is happening at all is reason enough to shut down data broker sites that include lists of relatives. We worked very hard to keep our names from being connected to our families, but it happened due to public information being... Continue Reading →
The problem with today's surveillance by companies like Amazon and Google is not capitalism. It's their theft of our personal information and data. Their business model is to collect and sell our data to their third-party service providers as well as "certain of your information to third party experts, advocates, and advisors." That little nugget... Continue Reading →
When you need ID, less is better. Yeah, a photo. Nah, your address. A US passport card is ideal to use whenever photo identification is required. The card is better than a driver's license, since the licenses include a physical address that you don't want to show total strangers. Also, it's Real ID compliant, unlike... Continue Reading →
Websites that register members, accept donations, and other ways that take personal information put our security at risk if they are hacked. The most current headline regarding these hacks involved the FBI Academy Association's websites. When this story was shared online, commenters mistakenly assumed the hack was an FBI website and that the hackers achieved... Continue Reading →
In a previous post, I shared articles about an angry Congressional staffer who posted PII of conservative Senators and their families online. This week, he pleaded guilty to five federal charges and faces some serious and well-deserved jail time. This young man was angry about a Supreme Court nominee and retaliated against the Senators who... Continue Reading →
This article describes another data exposure for Facebook users this week. I'm not usually in favor of government intervention in corporate policies, but this case may call for it. If Facebook requires people to use their real names and suspends accounts that violate their identity policy, then they should be required to protect the data... Continue Reading →
This week, C-SPAN was more exciting than anything the Kardashians were doing. Following months of activism by hundreds of military spouses, they finally had their day in court, or specifically, Congress. You can read about it here. If you have time, you can even go watch it here. It was EPIC! Military spouses confronted... Continue Reading →
While searching around the interwebs, I have learned a few new terms. One can also learn them following current events. This story comes out amid the hundreds of headlines about a new Supreme Court nominee. To most, it seems unimportant, compared to the hanging lib/con balance on the highest Court in our country. It seems... Continue Reading →
When military spouses have had enough, drastic things happen. When it's time to step out with your story to protect your family, privacy takes a back seat. I applaud these families who walked out into the public arena to fight for their families' safety. I've spent the last 15 years trying to stay below the... Continue Reading →
When A Stranger Decides To Destroy Your Life In today's world of public comment and conversation in social media, it definitely pays NOT to use your correct name in your online profiles. Many people like Monika Glennon have careers and work for companies that post their names and photos in marketing campaigns. In the last... Continue Reading →
When Mark Zuckerberg testified in Congress, his company and its credibility were on the line. News about the Cambridge Analytica breach of our data was exactly what prompted Representatives who want to regulate his corporation. Make no mistake, however he tried to talk around the problem, Facebook was responsible for their users' personal information being... Continue Reading →
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