Comedian and journalist John Oliver of the show “Last Week Tonight” brought the actions of Edward Snowden back into the news. In the interview, Snowden and Oliver explained in simple terms why people should pay attention to the consequences of Snowden’s leak. Oliver encouraged Snowden to tell viewers how much information the NSA is able to access because of the Patriot Act. The “Last Week Tonight” interview is a reminder to be more aware of the information you share and how you share it across different media. Visit MyLife.com for comprehensive social media management assistance.
Television host John Oliver recently took a week off from his show “Last Week Tonight.” While he was gone, viewers missed their weekly dose of sobering political commentary communicated in an incredulous and humorous way. However, instead of taking a relaxing vacation, Oliver flew to Moscow to conduct an interview with whistleblower Edward Snowden.
Oliver’s HBO show stands out from other comedy programs for its tendency to conduct extensive investigations into important national and international topics, which some refer to as “investigative comedy.” During the Snowden interview, John Oliver asked the whistleblower if he missed America and Hot Pockets. He then shifted into the more serious subject of government surveillance. Oliver pointed out why Americans are often unconcerned about general and online privacy. According to the comedian, the topic is boring and complicated. Therefore, the public is indifferent to it.
To make the subject interesting, Oliver asked Snowden if surveillance personnel could gain access to the private photographs of regular citizens. Snowden confirmed that if pictures are sent through an email account that is managed by Gmail, hosted by an overseas server or transferred to an overseas location, then it winds up on a government database. In further discussing email, he said, “Even if you send it to somebody within the United States, wholly domestic communication between you and your wife can go from New York to London and back and get caught up in the database.”
The Edward Snowden story is a reminder to pay attention to the personal data you share and to establish effective and consistent Internet safety rules for yourself. For instance, you should practice restraint on social media sites and install good Internet security software.
Leaked Documents
In 2013, computer programmer Edward Snowden shared National Security Agency, or NSA, documents with several news media organizations. As a result, the government charged him with crimes that fall under the Espionage Act. To avoid prosecution, Snowden moved to Russia. When news of the document leak first broke, Snowden stated that his actions helped the country’s national security by forcing a much-needed public discussion regarding the expansiveness of the intelligence effort.
If you watched John Oliver interview Edward Snowden, then you may be considering how easy it is for regular people and the government to access your sensitive data. One area to focus on is online reputation management. Complete a personal information search online to see what other people can access about you. By knowing what’s out there, you can remove the data that could put you at risk for identity theft or fraud. In addition, privacy guard programs provide direction regarding data removal and where to look for personal information. Online privacy protection programs also help you guard your personal information and assist you with reputation management.
Patriot Act
To strengthen the country’s security controls, in October 2001, Congress passed the Patriot Act, and President George W. Bush signed it into law. The Act gives law enforcement agencies authorization to employ extensive surveillance tactics to guard against terrorism. It also expands the types of methods investigators can use to track terrorists.
An Apathetic Public
Americans are generally unconcerned about the NSA and its surveillance methods because they aren’t engaging in illegal behaviors that could be construed as terrorist activity, but this type of indifference makes them more likely to be victims of identity theft. If you fall into this category, consider taking advantage of a few security essentials. For instance, an identity theft protection program and a basic fraud alert system can help you avoid the inconveniences that arise when criminals gain access to your personal data on the Internet.
Cyber Security Tips
Ex-FBI agent Mary Galligan revealed personal cyber surveillance knowledge during a recent CNN interview. Galligan previously headed a team of cyber and special operations agents in the organization’s New York office. During the interview, she shared specific cyber security tips.
For instance, be sure to change your passwords frequently. In fact, Galligan recommends changing them at least once a month. According to her, passwords are compromised from time to time. For example, big corporations have recently suffered major security problems.
The former FBI agent also says that when store clerks ask for your zip code, you should give them incorrect information. By doing this, you can prevent a personal data breach. Businesses collect personal information and store it on their databases to send you advertisements and offers. In the last few years, companies have shown that they aren’t entirely trustworthy when it comes to protecting your Internet privacy. For instance, the Target hack that occurred in 2014 resulted in thieves gaining access to sensitive customer data.
For photo identification, avoid sharing your driver’s license due to the personal information included on it, such as your birthday and address. Instead, show another form of ID, like a work badge.
Maintain a separate email account for junk mail. Give this email address to companies when they ask for one. This technique will keep your personal email safe should a company face a hacking situation. Also, use caution when accessing your bank account. If you can, shop and perform banking tasks on different computers. Despite the convenience of banking apps, you may be putting your accounts at risk when you access your bank from your smartphone or tablet, so consider shunning this form of technology.
Visit MyLife.com for more tips about protecting your identity.
Sources
MyLife.com
https://www.mylife.com/
John Oliver lands Edward Snowden interview from Russia
http://money.cnn.com/2015/04/06/media/edward-snowden-john-oliver-interview/index.html
Snowden Says He Took No Secret Files to Russia
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/18/world/snowden-says-he-took-no-secret-files-to-russia.html?_r=0
The USA Patriot Act: Preserving Life and Liberty
http://www.justice.gov/archive/ll/highlights.htm
5 Online Privacy Tips from an Ex-FBI Agent
http://money.cnn.com/2014/06/26/technology/security/fbi-privacy-tips/
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