Kaspersky Security Researcher Says We’re Being Monitored Online By Governments Continuously
Have you been feeling paranoid lately that you're being watched? Maybe you are. Thanks to the whistle-blowing efforts of former CIA employee Edward Snowden, we know that the U.S. government monitors all kinds of Internet activity, everything from instant messages and emails to Skype calls and more. Maybe your Facebook feed isn't all that interesting, but even so, security researcher Costin Raiu says you should treat every moment as if you're being watched.
Raiu heads up the Global Research and Analysis Team at Kaspersky Lab and has intimate knowledge of the tactics that the world's top hackers use. During a presentation he gave to industry analysts at the company's analyst summit, he says that he works under the assumption that "my computer is owned by at least three governments." His statement drew some laughs from the crowd, though he was being dead serious.
Raiu suggests that users should assume their PCs have been compromised, especially if you're an enterprise user. The thinking behind that advice is that users will be more cautious with what they do on their computers. Of course, Raiu and his fellow security researchers are high profile targets, especially among cybercriminals looking for ways to thwart the latest security blocks. However, Raiu still says all users should practice a high level of paranoia since it's become clear that our own government is keeping a close eye on Internet activity.
It's easy for casual users to dismiss the notion of paranoia and throw their hands up in the air. After all, if the government has access to practically all corners of the web and there's not much we can do about it, what's the point in getting angry about it? Raiu counters that it's that kind of complacency attackers want and even depend on, which allows them to operate more effectively.
What's your opinion on all this? Do you feel like you're being watched at all times, as Raiu suggests, or do you think his level of paranoia is better suited for people in special positions, such as high level security?
Raiu heads up the Global Research and Analysis Team at Kaspersky Lab and has intimate knowledge of the tactics that the world's top hackers use. During a presentation he gave to industry analysts at the company's analyst summit, he says that he works under the assumption that "my computer is owned by at least three governments." His statement drew some laughs from the crowd, though he was being dead serious.
Raiu suggests that users should assume their PCs have been compromised, especially if you're an enterprise user. The thinking behind that advice is that users will be more cautious with what they do on their computers. Of course, Raiu and his fellow security researchers are high profile targets, especially among cybercriminals looking for ways to thwart the latest security blocks. However, Raiu still says all users should practice a high level of paranoia since it's become clear that our own government is keeping a close eye on Internet activity.
It's easy for casual users to dismiss the notion of paranoia and throw their hands up in the air. After all, if the government has access to practically all corners of the web and there's not much we can do about it, what's the point in getting angry about it? Raiu counters that it's that kind of complacency attackers want and even depend on, which allows them to operate more effectively.
What's your opinion on all this? Do you feel like you're being watched at all times, as Raiu suggests, or do you think his level of paranoia is better suited for people in special positions, such as high level security?
