Pages

Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

This blog will be written from an orthodox Christian point of view. There may be some topic that is out of bounds, but at present I don't know what it will be. Politics is a part of life. Theology and philosophy are disciplines that we all participate in even if we don't think so. The Bible has a lot to say about economics. How about self defense? Is war ethical? Think of all the things that someone tells you we should not touch and let's give it a try. Everything that is a part of life should be an expression of worship.

Keep it courteous and be kind to those less blessed than you, but by all means don't worry about agreeing. We learn more when we get backed into a corner.

Friday, August 2, 2013

Opus 2013-255: Headlines: Smile! Part 1 of 3

While browsing through the Drudge report I came across a headline, “Flaw in new Samsung TV allows hackers to see viewer.”  Since I am attending DEFCON, a hacker convention, where even my geek son takes great precautions, this caught my attention.  The Title on the actual article was “Your TV Might Be Watching You.”

My first reaction was, “Well, duh.”  It always amazes me what people think is new news.  My son has been warning me about this for years.  He has told me to cover the camera lens on my laptop.  Since I am lazy, I have not done so, but I am aware of the problem.  He also has advised me to put a plug in the microphone connection because what they can do to the camera, they can do to the built in microphone. 

Here is how the article summarized the problem.
“The flaws in Samsung Smart TVs, which have now been patched, enabled hackers to remotely turn on the TVs' built-in cameras without leaving any trace of it on the screen. While you're watching TV, a hacker anywhere around the world could have been watching you. Hackers also could have easily rerouted an unsuspecting user to a malicious website to steal bank account information.”
Keep in mind that if the hackers can do it, so can the government.  This is real, people.  Think of all the electronic devices that you have in your home that could very easily have small, built in, unannounced microphones and cameras.  As Elizabeth Barrett Browning once said, “Let me count the ways...”  Start with your smart phones and don’t forget your dumb phones.  How about your radio and stereo setups.  Do you have an Ipod?  How about a microwave?  Remote controls of any kind?  Use a little imagination and you will find all kinds of potential ways that a concerned-for-your-safety government can plant inroads into your privacy.  Another big program pushed by the government is the “smart meter” on your utilities.

We have a problem.  Stay tuned.  Rest assured that the government is.

To be continued...

homo unius libri

No comments:

Post a Comment

Comments are welcome. Feel free to agree or disagree but keep it clean, courteous and short. I heard some shorthand on a podcast: TLDR, Too long, didn't read.