Our servicemen and women make tremendous sacrifices to protect our country, both at home and abroad. They put their lives on the line every day to protect us from all kinds of threats.
Our military is exposed to danger on the job, but unfortunately, that’s not the only thing they’re at risk for.
Anyone can easily purchase the personal information of U.S. military personnel. can do so through legal means.
This puts service members and their families at risk, and it is imperative that steps are taken to ensure their privacy and safety.
Survey highlights ease of obtaining data for active members
As a surprising revelation, Research by Duke University Researchers have revealed that sensitive personal information of active-duty U.S. military personnel is surprisingly easily available online. This data is available from data brokers at surprisingly low prices and includes details such as your home address and health status.
Imagine being able to pinpoint the location of service members based on their proximity to high-security military bases like Fort Bragg or Quantico. The researchers did just that, retrieving the data for just $0.12 per record.
This raises serious national security concerns. Foreign intelligence agencies can easily build profiles of U.S. military personnel, track their movements, and identify vulnerabilities. The consequences are severe and extend to possible stalking and intimidation of military families.
How data brokers work
of The US data broker ecosystem is vast, which range from well-known credit bureaus to lesser-known analytics companies and mobile apps that sell users’ location data. A concerning aspect is that there are no strict legal restrictions on the buying and selling of such data in the United States. Justin ShermanA senior fellow at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, he emphasizes how incredibly easy it is to obtain this data. With no real checks on purchases, the potential for abuse by foreign adversaries is enormous.
Personal information such as social security numbers, addresses, and employment history is routinely sold by data brokers. While some uses, such as background checks, are legal, the lack of regulation has drawn the attention of regulators.of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau We are considering new rules to limit data broker activity. Federal Trade Commission New regulations are being considered.
Why active military personnel need personal cybersecurity is required
US Senator Ron Wyden It highlights the Duke University study as a stark warning. He argues that the data broker industry is not only out of control, but also a serious threat to U.S. national security. The Department of Defense also recognizes the gravity of the situation. timothy gormanA spokesperson for the Office of the Secretary of Defense emphasizes the importance of protecting the privacy interests of service members.
Selling personal data online is more than just an information gathering tool. That’s a significant privacy risk. U.S. intelligence agencies and the Department of Defense have long been wary of how foreign spies exploit this data market. Measures such as the 2018 ban on agency workers using geolocation-enabled devices such as fitness trackers and smartphones highlight the seriousness of the threat.
Duke University’s findings serve as a clarion call. Easy access to the personal data of U.S. military personnel not only compromises their safety, but also poses a serious threat to national security. The situation requires an immediate and strong policy response.
Until these policies are implemented, it is essential that we work together to protect the privacy and safety of those who have contributed so much to our country. The people we serve have done everything in their power to protect our freedoms, so it’s important that we work to protect their digital lives too.
To learn more and stay informed about the latest cybersecurity news and strategies, read the following articles: BlackCloak’s Personal Cybersecurity Blog.
post Data Broker Removal Service: A Cybersecurity Essential for Active Duty Military Members It first appeared Black Mantle | Protect Your Digital Life™.
*** This is a syndicated blog from the Security Bloggers Network. Black Mantle | Protect Your Digital Life™ The author is Chris Pearson. See the original post here: https://blackcloak.io/data-broker-removal-services-a-necessity-for-cybersecurity-for-active-duty-military/