Cell phone and personal data security are things that most people, unfortunately, take for granted. In an article published 11/13/14 by the Wall Street Journal, the Justice Department has been “collecting data from thousands of cellphones through high-tech gear deployed on airplanes that mimics communications towers.” The article goes on to explain that the program has been operational since 2007 and designed to collect a cell phone’s identifying information and general location.
It works by using a two foot square device attached to a small plane that mimics cell phone towers to have a cell phone report it’s unique registration information. The planes are being flown from at least five metropolitan airports. The names of the specific airports have not been released.
Cell phone encryption measures by large companies such as Google (message encryption release PDF) and Apple have become essential and also marketing strategies to shield photos, documents, contact lists, notes, and other personal data from hackers or anyone else trying to gain access. U. S. Attorney General Eric Holder, FBI Director James Comey (video) see these measures creating problems for law enforcement to investigate criminal activity.
Jonathan Turley, constitutional law professor at George Washington University Law School, “Police can still obtain evidence through traditional court warrants.” “Citizens should not assume that these (cell phone) encryption devices will necessarily prevent government from intercepting communications. If history is any guide, the government will find a way to penetrate these devices.”
Mr. Turley’s comments bring up another point: all data coming to and leaving the device is not always encrypted and may pass through a number of systems. This means that your data can be captured by investigators, hackers, and anyone else.
The Hosty Law Office asks that everyone is vigilant toward protecting his or her personal information and constitutional rights. There are companies in Oklahoma providing increased digital security for businesses, homes, and mobile electronic devices. Most importantly, use good common sense: have malware / antivirus software on all your electronic devices, don’t blindly open every email because it may contain a virus or take you to a website that will install malware, be wary toward any new WiFi connection you choose, and don’t click on a link without understanding what it is connected to.
405-235-4040
204 North Robinson Avenue
Suite 1717
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
DUI Attorney OKC 