NuWave, known for data analytics just bought Big Bear which provides a lot of cloud computing and storage services. Why does this matter? It matters because both are contractors to the US government, including the NSA. Naturally, that means they are (or better be) very concerned with security. After all, it’s hard to go more than a day or two without learning about a major data breach at a national corporation or even the government itself getting hacked. Cybersecurity has never been more in the forefront.
We at TARTLE get questions about cybersecurity all the time. After all, we are asking people who sign up with us to funnel their data through our servers, so the concern is understandable. And it should go without saying that we take every precaution to ensure that you data is secure with us. With that said, there some additional points to make concerning cybersecurity and our overall approach to data as a society.
One is that the term cybersecurity implies something entirely new. The truth is, it isn’t. Sure, the digital aspect is new, but take that away and it’s simply information security, something that has been a concern for as long as people have been sharing information they didn’t want others to see. Think back just a few decades. In WWII and other wars following, if there was information that had to be shared quickly it was done over the radio, using equipment that was available to even the poorest people within range. In order to keep sensitive information out of enemy hands, it was necessary to develop unique code systems. Yet, those systems were still at risk. Someone could always break the code, which of course applied pressure to develop ever more complex, or at least unexpected codes. Even before that, sensitive information was literally transported by men carrying letters on horseback. All one had to do was capture the carrier and read the letters. And then – well you get the picture. It’s always been important and difficult to secure sensitive information, all that has changed is the medium in which we do it.
Another point is how comfortable we are with sharing information already. How many social media platforms are you signed up with? How many streaming services? Heck, do you have a smartphone? We know for a fact that many of these companies are already collecting all your data and using it to target specific advertising to you with the sole goal of parting you from your money. They also have no qualms at all about selling your data to third parties for ends that we simply have no way of knowing. And it’s no secret at this point that smartphones are listening to your conversations and adjusting ads accordingly. What about every website with a notice about cookies and you have to accept or decline? Most of us accept the terms without giving it a second thought. Yet, we know full well that they are tracking our activity online. The only question is how much are they tracking and whether or not they are doing anything we don’t know. Shop online? That means your credit card number or PayPal account information is stored on someone’s server somewhere.
Finally, many social media companies have shown a disturbing willingness to share data with or adjust their search parameters according to the whims of government authorities, even foreign governments who have demonstrated that they are more than happy to use technology to oppress people.
Being concerned with security in the digital world is a good thing and it would be a lot better if more people were more conscious about the vulnerability of their data. Signing up with TARTLE is actually an important step in not just controlling how your data gets shared but in better protecting your data whether you share it or not. With our VPN and firewalls your data will be at least as secure with us as with anyone else. Even better, we won’t sell it behind your back and if you want to sell it, you are the one who gets rewarded.
What’s your data worth? Sign up and join the TARTLE Marketplace with this link here.
