drwatsonJan 5, 2018
pamela 🌺 (archived!)

Years of cynical and patronizing computer security coverage have convinced my family (correctly, I suppose) that absolutely everything digital is up for grabs and true security is impossible.

This has rendered them unwilling to follow even the most basic measures to protect themselves. 😕

Jan 4, 2018 at 10:42pmWeb
Show threadChris 💾✒🚀🍕🎮🔧📵💻Jan 5, 2018
@pmosetc
Are they also avoiding putting sensitive information on any networked computer? Because that'd be sensible.
Show threadpamela 🌺 (archived!)Jan 5, 2018
@suetanvil I've offered to cut their cable line for them since that seems the most reasonable response.
Show threadSean M PuckettJan 5, 2018

Relatives don't understand / refuse to use sane digital security practices?

Ask them if they lock their frigging house. Locks don't keep determined thieves out but they sure cut down on the riff-raff wandering in to steal spare change.

It's the same with digital security.

Use passwords (lock your doors), keep important stuff offline (put documents in a safe), don't let untrusted people use your phone / computer / connection (don't let stangers inside).

Lock your shit up, it's that simple.

Show threadAdministratorJan 5, 2018

@pmosetc Have you any family members that have eschewed the use of computers entirely? I do.

Granted, it doesn't protect data about them found on corporate/government sources that get hacked, but I still respect their dedication to their choice.

Show threadpamela 🌺 (archived!)Jan 5, 2018

@mdm The one I know has made more of a conscious choice to avoid learning something new than keep his life offline, but at least he has increased privacy as a side benefit.

The appeal of that choice is obvious, but it sure is a more dramatic choice than it used to be. :) I have a lot of respect for those who can still find the forms, services and information they need through old-fashioned channels. Hopefully, we'll continue to preserve them!

Show threadAdministratorJan 5, 2018
@pmosetc I agree -- perhaps it's an advantage that the family member I'm currently thinking of lives in a very, very rural part of the country.
Show threadJoel D 🌲Jan 5, 2018

@pmosetc the classic abstinence-only fall-down vs safe sex education.

On the other hand, nothing will ever convince me to buy an Amazon Echo or install networked light bulbs.

Show threadNicholasJan 5, 2018

@pmosetc my response to that is the joke/parable of the bear in the woods:

Two people are hiking in the forest when they come across a bear cub. Behind them, they hear the growl of an angry mama bear. The first person starts taking off their heavy camping backpack.
"Why are you taking off your camping bag? You can't outrun a bear."
"I don't have to outrun the bear, I just have to outrun you."

Show threadJay2beeJan 5, 2018
@pmosetc Lol, I knew that a long ago, since I began to study electronic. I saw the potential in technology but how easy was to manipulate data and so on. I realized that a system would a secure as the people intention that use it or make it. I have a feeeling that the two hardware bugs could be not a bug because an Intel engineer said "the microprocessor works as was intended to". Could be an error in design or it can be part of the design... maybe... an NSA design? 
Show threadShrutarshi BasuJan 5, 2018
@pmosetc this is why all security discussions need to be accompanied by clear threat models. Solidly locked doors and windows won't keep out a SWAT team, but they will deter burglars and thieves. Same goes for encryption and strong passwords.
Show threadSovrim TerraquianJan 6, 2018
@pmosetc That sounds like trying to argue "lockpicks exist therefore I won't lock my front door"