Privacy Protection

What is a weapon? One dictionary defines that term as “any implement  used to deter, threaten, inflict physical damage, harm, or kill.”

Over the course of human history weapons have evolved from rocks to clubs to knives to guns.

But in a world connected through online communication, your privacy has become the most dangerous weapon of all.

In previous blogs we’ve discussed how artificial intelligence can fake a colleague or loved one’s voice within a phishing attack designed to extort money from unsuspecting victims. But to many this still sounds like science fiction – something that may be possible technologically, but would require such planning to execute that its unlikely anyone would actually try it.

I mean, rather than go through all that trouble, why not just get a real job, and make your money honestly?

For more than a decade IronWall360 has effectively removed our clients’ personal information from the Internet. This is sometimes easier to do in states that have passed consumer privacy legislation, or have specific laws in place about safeguarding the privacy of judges, police officers and other public sector professionals.

A growing awareness of the need for online privacy protection has led several states to pass privacy legislation, and others where no law yet exists are introducing bills to address this issue.

Momentum has accelerated on these actions over the past two years. While there is still a long way to go before effective laws are in place in all 50 states, it now seems more likely than not that this will someday be the case.

The welcome trend toward laws regulating online consumer privacy continues into 2024 with new laws being proposed, and those already passed taking effect. Here is a brief rundown of what to expect as we enter the New Year.

States With New Privacy Laws

California

The state that set the standard for online privacy protection continues to bolster existing statutes with new restrictions.

It was the jump seen around the world.

Curious about your ancestry? Or looking for early warning signs of health issues that might be prevented? If so, you may have elected to have your DNA analyzed by a company that can provide those answers. But what happens if that company gets hacked?

Earlier this year a provocative meme began making the social media rounds. It showed photos of an alleged employee of The Gap, who offered a rude response to a simple question. The poster then gave the employee’s name, and some personal information meant to embarrass him and demean his character.

Here is the meme:

The recent terrorist attack against Israel and the Israeli response have triggered protests across America. After some of these protests ended in violence, arrests were made and trials for the accused are already underway. Judges will be assigned to determine the fates of protestors on both sides – in a conflict that has caused centuries of violence and bloodshed.