Post Snowden IT Security Practices

Two years ago, Edward Snowden, a former contractor with the US National Security Agency, revealed details of various surveillance programs of individuals and companies undertaken by the government. The revelations had a big impact on the way people view IT based functions like email and social media.

Nevertheless, research conducted by Pew Research indicates that a large portion of the public has heard little of Snowden, despite the huge publicity. (30% of adults had heard a lot about it, 56% had heard a little and 6% had heard nothing.) Those who have heard of it often did make changes in their behaviours regarding communications through IT based media, but many more did not. (34% of the 30% made changes  in their behaviours, such as reducing their use of social media and using email less.)

To quote the study, "One potential reason some have not changed their behaviors is that 54% believe it would be “somewhat” or “very” difficult to find tools and strategies that would help them be more private online and in using their cell phones. Still, notable numbers of citizens say they have not adopted or even considered some of the more commonly available tools that can be used to make online communications and activities more private:

• 53% have not adopted or considered using a search engine that doesn’t keep track of a user’s search history and another 13% do not know about these tools.
• 46% have not adopted or considered using email encryption programs such as Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) and another 31% do not know about such programs.
• 43% have not adopted or considered adding privacy-enhancing browser plug-ins like DoNotTrackMe (now known as Blur) or Privacy Badger and another 31% do not know such plug-ins.
• 41% have not adopted or considered using proxy servers that can help them avoid surveillance and another 33% do not know about this.
• 40% have not adopted or considered using anonymity software such as Tor and another 39% do not know about what that is."

The study shows that there is a fairly significant lack of knowledge of the tools available to preserve privacy, something that could be remedied with educational and awareness programs.

For more n the Pew research, check out this link.