Reader Feedback; Online Privacy Tips

Reader Normand from Canada writes:

Hi there!

I would like to know your opinion on the Ironkey USB Encryption and Anonymous Surfing claims.I deem it likely that such agencies as the US Homeland Security would have a backdoor to such a device or could monitor your surfing, given that they are listed in the list of contributors… Such a device could therefore become the eyes and ears of Bigbrother, under some Klingon Cloak. Tell me I’m not paranoid

Norm

Hi Norm,
Sorry, but I have no idea and can’t offer an educated opinion. Generally speaking, I do not believe that anyone can surf anonymously, at home and especially not in the workplace.

I also do not believe that it’s worth the effort and cost to use anonymizer services. I’ve also tried to setup email encryption between members of my family, only to be frustrated by how cumbersome it can be, especially to set up another person.

Therefore, as our privacy and rights are chipped away, I recommend the following defense:

• Don’t send confidential information in emails or post on Web sites.
• Don’t type any embarrassing keywords or incriminating phrases like “how to kill my spouse.”
• Don’t trust that your Internet Service Provider (ISP) will defend your privacy rights.
• Don’t trust that your friends wont (out of ignorance) post information about you online.

Thanks for writing.
-Roland