Pirate's Cove

Good idea? Bad idea?

The Obama administration is preparing a stepped-up approach to policing Internet privacy that calls for new laws and the creation of a new position to oversee the effort, according to people familiar with the situation.

The strategy is expected to be unveiled in a report being issued by the U.S. Commerce Department in coming weeks, these people said. The report isn’t yet final and could change, these people said.

The initiatives would mark a turning point in Internet policy. Recent administrations typically steered away from Internet regulations out of concern for stifling innovation. But the increasingly central role of personal information in the Internet economy helped spark government action, according to people familiar with the situation.

Joe Barton (R-Tx) is quoted in the article as being for this, due to all the privacy concerns, and actual incidents, that keep popping their ugly heads up. And, yes, this would be something that the federal government should oversee, rather than the State governments (though, they can implement their own laws, too), as this is national and international “commerce.” Yet, should there be a concern about government becoming overly involved?

Obviously, I would be concerned with giving any liberal/progressive oversight power, as they so often have ulterior motives, much like with Elizabeth Warren and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. They’ll say all the right things, and sound so agreeable, but, behind the scenes, they open up destructive cans of worms.

Yet, regardless of which party controls the presidency and/or Congress, there is a large chance of mission creep, with more and more restriction being added as time goes on. Like with so much regulation, one tiny thing happens, and now lawmakers want a big law to stop it from ever happening again.

Do people need better privacy protection? Yes. Should the federal government make the rules? That’s a tough one, because we all know that it wouldn’t stop there. If you want to protect your privacy on-line, your best defense is……you! The Electronic Frontier Foundation has 12 ways to protect yourself. These are mostly easy to understand methods, because, face it, not everyone is super duper computer/Internet savvy.

You can certainly find other lists and ideas, here are a few from me, more along the lines of software

1. Make sure you have a good firewall, and keep it updated. I actually have 3. I use the built in Microsoft one, there is one in the modem (which I have zero control of, Time Warner administers for all customers), and with my Symantic program (which is actually military grade). I would highly suggest Zone Alarm, which is free, for those who aren’t sure if they are protected. It’s one of the best you can get
2. Get an anti-virus program. A good one. That you pay for. That has auto-update and install capability. Better yet, get a suite, which would include anti-virus, spyware, online protection, and firewall. Like Norton Internet Security or McAfee Total Protection
3. Install a spyware removal program, keep it up to date, and use it at least every other week. Ad Aware is a great one, as is Spyware Terminator, and Spyware Doctor. I prefer Spyware Terminator, as it is free and gives real time protection. None are perfect, though, so run a check now and then!
4. Encrypt your files and folders which contain private/personal/sensitive data! I use two programs. The first is Kruptos 2 Professional, which would cost you $12.99. The great thing about Kruptos is that you encrypt the program, open the file with a password, and, here’s the kicker, when you close it it re-encrypts automatically! No playing around, no manual encrypts, creating fake “disks”, etc. The other is My Lockbox. You can only hide one folder, but, I put several files and folders underneath the top folder. Like all my tax returns and two files with all my codes. You can also use Iron Privacy Folder. This is a very basic measure, designed to simply hide folders, and won’t defeat serious, let’s call them….. a**holes who know what they are doing. Most won’t take the time. Yes, hackers and such do want in to those files and folders. Note: Iron Privacy is not for Windows 7, which is why I use My Lockbox.
5. Secure your home (and business, if it is in your control) WiFi with a password.

A great place to check software and reviews, and download both free and paid, is CNET.