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Mark Simpson Technology Centre |
George Orwell was right, if a little early with his predictions. Everywhere we go and everything we do is being watched. Thousands of surveillance cameras monitor our every move, as we drive to work, walk down the street, or buy our groceries at the local supermarket.
Our car's computer may now log our speed, g-forces and location – providing useful information to law enforcement if we have an accident.
Not only do supermarkets watch our every move, they can now track our progress through the store with new GPS equipped 'smart” trolleys. When we get to the checkout minute detail of our shopping habits is recorded: How many items we bought, time, discounts, card details and much more. Did you know they also monitor the checkout operator's performance by measuring speed and accuracy?
Smartphone technology provides our phone company, and others, details on our daily movements and calls. Coupled with GPS and Wi-Fi, your location can be tracked virtually to your favourite table at the local café.
The government can monitor every email, text, call and web request you make. 'Oh but we only collect the metadata and do not monitor individuals,” they say – Yeah right.
Did I mention the NSA, crime syndicates, advertisers and anybody else trying to gain a marketing advantage? What about all that malware, cookies, fake websites and even loyalty cards?
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Mark Simpson is an internet security specialist, who works at the Technology Centre. For more information email mark@technologycentre.co.nz