Yesterday Wikileaks released documents detailing CIA information on hacking tools, etc. that allow them to spy on and through devices all over the world.
If you want a full in-depth breakdown of the tools and documents there are plenty of websites to go to right now that are most likely falling all over themselves to get information out as quickly as possible. The information and potential fallout related to this release of documents is currently unknown. As of right now, there is no reason to believe any of this information is completely new, especially in the hacking or security communities.
Inline with several of the planned security articles we’ll be publishing soon, we have one general statement that encompasses this release of information for the general public.
You live in a world that you have willingly given up your freedoms by constantly publishing your whereabouts and every thought in a fairly public forum. You are constantly carrying several microphones and video cameras connected to a worldwide network on your person. You have similar devices on your desk at work, in your homes, or in your places of business. People have warned you at every single corner of the dangers, yet you have chosen the feeling of celebrity over privacy. There is no such thing as a secure device. If someone wants to get into your phone, your computer, steal your identity, etc., they can. The fact that the US government has these tools should not be a surprise. You should also not be surprised to know that pretty much every other government on the planet probably has similar tools. Rest assured, they’re using them as well. You can turn off your electronics at night. Power your tablet off, put tape over your webcam on your laptop, etc. It’s ok. It’s not crazy. Just because your car has doors, doesn’t mean you don’t put your seatbelt on, does it?
There are far more people that are trying protect themselves than there are criminals. There are only so many law enforcement officers in the world, trying to protect you. You need to take care of yourself and help your friends and family to stay safe. We’re simply saying practice common sense, and change the public view of what common sense is in our day and age. Nothing stays the same. As the rates of discovery of technology and inventions accelerate the rest of the world has to adapt to keep up with those innovations. These technologies do have the abilities to make our lives easier, but they can also hinder us.
Short Story: The US Government is probably not watching you. This information does not affect your everyday life. If you didn’t care before, you shouldn’t be bothered by this either.ƒ
