10 Ways the NSA is Working with ISP’s to Stop Cyberattacks
by Sue Scheff on Jul 09, 2011
Spy v spy is nothing new; Nathan Hale and Benedict Arnold were both spies during the American Revolution, and today’s cyber-world carries on the tradition. Disinformation, misinformation and sabotage are alive and well. Cyber-spies and agents provocateurs are hard at work trying to upset enemy apple-carts, and efforts to suppress these activities are largely unsuccessful.
America is constantly under attack, and the National Security Agency (NSA), America’s top intelligence network, has been working with Internet Service Provider’s (ISP’s) in attempts to foil cyber-attacks. Here are some of the ways the agency and ISP’s work together. Some ISP cooperation has been voluntary, but in many instances ISP’s have had little choice in the matter.
- Existing Cooperation Between NSA and ISP’s – AT&T and Verizon have been handing the NSA voice and data traffic for years; once illegal, laws have been changed to allow the practice. The Foreign Intelligence Security Act (FISA) of 1978 paved the way for greater government utilization of civilian companies and, eventually, ISP’s.
- CALEA – In 1994, Congress enacted a program called the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcements Act (CALEA), a program that required all providers of Internet service, including phone companies, ISP’s, colleges and even coffee shops to install equipment that would allow the government to monitor almost all Internet activity.
- The Patriot Act – In the fallout from the 9/11 attacks, warrantless surveillance was introduced, and even though opposing voices were raised there was enough fear of additional attacks that the program was enacted without effective judicial review, and the Bush administration titled it the Terrorist Surveillance Program.
- Recent Developments – In May of 2011, it was reported that defense contractor Lockheed-Martin had come under cyber-attack, and, in a novel move, the defense industry, ISP’s and the NSA joined together to launch a program that would enable the NSA to utilize data sets to identify malicious programs that had been slipped into data streams received by Lockheed-Martin and others. ISP’s would then be able to disable the threats before they reached company servers.
- Unknown Threats – Right now, the NSA technology and the ISP’s ability to filter Internet traffic is only effective against known threats, and work is under way to develop methods of detecting threats that are more ambiguously presented.
- LulzSec and Anonymous – LulzSec and Anonymous are a pair of hacking groups that have declared a virtual war on manifold targets like media companies and mega-corporations; these are among the types of threats the NSA and ISP’s hope to neutralize.
- Civil Liberties – Any time a government begins to monitor its citizen’s personal or business communications, there is a very real threat to the civil liberties of that citizenry.
- Technology – The NSA, which employs more than 40,000 people, is at the forefront of many aspects of Internet security technology, which makes partnership with ISP’s possible.
- Data Bases – ISP’s control incredible data flows, and their ability to monitor vast amounts of information makes them indispensable in any credible attempt to disable cyber-attacks.
- What We Don’t Know – In a cyber-world infused with secrets, we may never truly know the depth of interactivity between ISP’s and government agencies like the NSA.
More threats are inevitable, and continued cooperation between the NSA and ISP’s is truly needed.
Source: Internet Service Providers
Tags: Cyber Safety, Identity Theft, Internet Defamation, Internet Gossip, Internet Safety, Internet Slander, Parenting, Parenting Blogs, Parenting Resources, Parenting Teens, Parenting Tips, Sue Scheff
Digitial Journal Takes An Insider’s Look at Google Bomb Book
by Sue Scheff on Jan 25, 2011
Google is the world’s top search engine used by millions each day. Anyone can be defamed easily, all searchable through Google. Author Sue Scheff talks about the Google Bomb and its impact on our life.
The Internet as a technology for information and quick, inexpensive communication may be fascinating for millions around the globe, but if put to malicious use against someone, it can be a paralyzing weapon.
That is what happened in the case of Sue Scheff, author of Google Bomb (HCI Books, 2009). In her book, co-authored with lawyer John W. Dozier, Sue tells the story of her victimization through serial defamatory attacks on the web that destroyed her professional career and trampled her personal reputation as well as her social life. Just by Googling her name, or that of her organization, countless people could mark her and her organization as evil entities, all because of false, malicious, and unchecked accusations (and even effusive abuse) made against her by someone who failed to use her for her own vested interests.
In today’s world, Google has become the measure of one’s reputation – hence the term “Google Bomb”. Standing up against the coercion, however, Sue finally won the historical $11.3 million defamation suit against the culprit responsible for her loss. It was very informative talking to Sue for an interview to run in the journal Recovering the Self (Vol. 3, No 1). Following is a slightly abridged version of Sue’s interview.
Tags: Cyber Harassment, Cyber Slander, Google Bomb Book, Google Profile, Internet books, Internet Defamation, Internet Resume, Internet Slander, Teen Depression
Teens Oversharing Online
by Sue Scheff on Jan 05, 2011
Is your teenager sharing too much of their information online?
In a recent survey on TeenVogue.com, 94 percent of readers polled said that teenagers should be more concerned about privacy on the Internet.
Social networking sites, such as Facebook, has become a go-to site for college recruiters as well as employers. Does your teen know the consequences of posting their party pictures, or language they should only be using privately (if using at all)?
Do you recall a recent Examiner article, Employers now asking for your Facebook link when applying for a job?
Although it can be nearly impossible to control or monitor everything our teens do, it is imperative you stress the importance of the lasting effects that an innocent photo or a questionable action that is posted on your Facebook page can result in – years from now.
Many kids are not able to grasp that two to five years from now is really not a long time. Like many kids, it seems like forever – so why not post these cool things they are doing. The problem is, what they consider cool, some may consider crude.
What may seem humorous to you and your friends, could be offensive to others. Privacy is a gift, and how much you want to give is up to you. However give with caution!
Don’t learn the lesson the hard way, “Google Bomb! The Untold Story of the $11.3M Verdict That Changed the Way We Use the Internet,” a story everyone needs to read. This case took place in Broward County.
Ironically when our children were young, most taught and encouraged our children to share. Now we have to redefine sharing and give it boundaries.
Be an educated parent, you will have safer teens.
Tags: Cyber Safety, Facebook, Internet Safety, Online Safety, Parenting, parenting advice, Parenting Blogs, Social Media, Social Networking, Sue Scheff
National Cyber Safety Awareness Month October 2010
by Sue Scheff on Oct 01, 2010
We open National Cyber Safety Awareness Month (NCSAM) with a few educational and informational websites with some top resources you need to keep safe in cyberspace. Resources that have been consistent in keeping up with the changing times online and people, books and websites that can help you help your teens and children stay safe.
1. Connect Safely – ConnectSafely is for parents, teens, educators, advocates – everyone engaged in and interested in the impact of the social Web. The user-driven, all-media, multi-platform, fixed and mobile social Web is a big part of young people’s lives, and this is the central space – linked to from social networks across the Web – for learning about safe, civil use of Web 2.0 together. Our forum is also designed to give teens and parents a voice in the public discussion about youth online safety begun back in the ’90s. ConnectSafely also has all kinds of social-media safety tips for teens and parents, the latest youth-tech news, and many other resources.
2. YourSphere and YourSphere for Parents - Yoursphere.com offers a vibrant, online, interactive, experience for kids and teens. Member’s safety and privacy come first through the application of common sense safeguards. The site devotes a hyper-focus towards supporting the positive interests, talents and aspirations of its members.
3. Cyber Safe Family – CyberSafeFamily.com was formed to educate parents on internet safety because we believe education is the key in keeping kids safe online. Many parents are intimidated by today’s technology and overwhelmed with these questions.
4. PG Key – PG Key was created by a design and development team that includes industry experts with years of experience in creating powerful yet easy to use software applications. In addition to the experienced technical members, the team also includes representatives from law enforcement (an FBI agent that specializes in cyber crimes), education (a Ph.D. that currently serves as a district superintendent), the medical community (an M.D. and current member of the American Board of Pediatrics) and many others … including ordinary, non-technical, but concerned parents.
5. Wired Moms – Wired Moms is a coalition of moms and mom groups with a central focus of connecting with their families through technology and to getting the most out of the new innovations that make their lives easier and more fun and keeping our kids and ourselves safe online.
6. Fortalice Solutions, LLC - In bits and bytes, the digital world holds pieces of our lives. And the team at Fortalice are your watchmen, because protection of your information is worth fighting for.Fortalice is a computer security firm. A team of experienced cybercrime fighters helping governments, businesses and consumers protect their cyberturf. We design, develop and deploy customized IT solutions that help fend off the bad guys. But cybersecurity isnʼt always about technology. Itʼs about arming people with the knowledge to defend themselves.Over the last twenty years, our team of experts has taught the United States Government, some of the countryʼs largest banks and thousands of consumers how to safeguard their information.
7. ReputationDefender - ReputationDefender was created in 2006 to defend your good name on the Internet. Today, ReputationDefender has grown to be the world’s first comprehensive online reputation management and privacy company. We’re the most experienced and most technologically innovative company of our kind. With customers in over 35 countries, ReputationDefender is proud to serve a global customer base throughout the world’s largest community – the Internet.
8. Veritate et Virtute – Christopher Burgess - Author – Speaker – Humanitarian – Senior Security Advisor – - – My focus is on Safety, Security, Intelligence, Intellectual Property and Humanitarian issues. I put particular emphasis on the protection of both the young and the elderly of our society. I co-authored w/Richard Powers: “Secrets Stolen, Fortunes Lost: Preventing Intellectual Property Theft and Economic Espionage in the 21st Century” My published works, books & articles, audio pod-casts and video presentations can be found at www.secretsstolen.com.
9. Look Both Ways – Linda Criddle – LOOKBOTHWAYS Inc.’s mission is to make the Internet safer for all consumers. In addition to providing free web resources to consumers, LOOKBOTHWAYS Inc. specializes in understanding the Human Factor in Online Safety. The company develops internet safety technologies; provides product design, safety reviews, and other consulting services to leading technology companies; and advises regulatory bodies, and various law enforcement agencies.
10. Google Bomb Book - The Untold Story of the $11.3M Verdict That Changed The Way We Use The Internet – In today’s technology-dependent world, the Internet has become a legal lethal weapon against the privacy and reputations of its users. Based on Sue Scheff’s landmark Internet defamation case that gave face to online harassment, cyberbulling, privacy invasion, and Google™ bombs (the practice of manipulating the ranking of web pages), and stirred Internet regulation and free-speech debates, Google™ Bomb arms readers with information, legal advice, and reputation defense (and clean up) mechanisms from one of the country’s top cyber abuse attorneys, John W. Dozier, Jr.
11. iKeepSafe – The Internet Keep Safe Coalition is a broad partnership of governors and/or first spouses, attorneys general, public health and educational professionals, law enforcement, and industry leaders working together for the health and safety of youth online. iKeepSafe® uses these unique partnerships to disseminate safety resources to families worldwide.
12. Net Cetera OnGuard Online – Net Cetera covers what you need to know, where to go for more information, and issues to raise with kids about living their lives online. OnGuardOnline.gov encourages you to use this guide with your kids, in your school, at your PTA meeting, or anywhere else parents might gather. Feel free to order as many free copies as you’d like, put your own sticker on it, reprint sections in a newsletter or on a website, download a button or link to it, or even reprint it with your own logo. These materials are in the public domain. To order free copies of Net Cetera, visit bulkorder.ftc.gov. To find out more about reprinting the guide, contact OnGuardOnline@ftc.gov.
This is only a short list, there are many more. Locally, parents should check their local Sheriff’s Office websites. In Broward County, they offer an Internet Safety page for kids.
This list is in no particular order. All have valuable information.
Do you have more, please add them to comments! Include websites too! Paying it forward to keep everyone safe in this new digital world!
Tags: Cyber Safety, Cyberbullying, Google Bomb Book, Internet Safety, Parenting Blogs, Parenting Teens, Parenting Tips, Sue Scheff, Teen Issues
Sue Scheff: When Hate Speech Runs Into Your Kids and Teens Online Society
by Sue Scheff on May 29, 2010
News4Jax recently aired a segment about Online Hate Speech Can Get Ugly Fast. With the ever expanding Internet, growing social media, as well as digital warfare, chances are very good you may be the victim of online slime through malicious keystrokes and a click of the mouse.
Posting vile and offensive remarks may be considered free speech, however when it crosses a line into defamatory statements, there may be legal ramifications for that poster. Although some people think that being anonymous online shields their identity, there are many ways that your digital footprint can be traced back to your computer.
Free speech does not condone defamation. What is Internet defamation? Internet defamation, sometimes called “defamation of character”, is spoken or written (or posted online) words that falsely and negatively reflect on a living person’s reputation.
If a person or the news media says or writes something about you that is understood to lower your reputation, or that keeps people from associating with you, defamation has occurred. Slander and libel are two forms of defamation.
Determining the difference between defamation and posting an opinion can be a gray legal area of law. Proving defamation, although you may believe to be easy, can be quite costly and time consuming.
One landmark case in Florida was tried in Broward County. This case resulted with an $11.3M jury verdict for damages done to the plaintiff after she was defamed online by another person. This story is told in Google Bomb, which is a must read for anyone that is online.
Online hate speech can be costly. Think twice before you post, and most of all, think twice before you hit send on an email you wrote out of emotion. You never know what will be coming back to haunt you.
Watch video from Jax4News here. Visite www.googlebombbook.com for more information on Internet defamation, slander and your online responsibilities.
Related articles:
Think Before You Hit Send: Nasty-grams
One Click Away
The Cyber Housewives
Virtual Vanity
Online Gossip vs Online Facts
Wild West 2.0
Tags: Free Speech, Hate Speech, Internet Defamation, Internet Safety, Online Slime, Parenting Blogs, Parenting Resources, Parenting Teens, Parenting Tips, Teen Depression, Teen Help
Sue Scheff: Readers View – Fantastic Review of Google Bomb Book
by Sue Scheff on Jan 18, 2010
Google Bomb: The Untold Story of the $11.3M Verdict That Changed the Way We Use the Internet
John W. Dozier Jr. and Sue Scheff
Health Communications, Inc. (2009)
ISBN 9780757314155
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (01/10)
First of all, I have to say “Google Bomb” may be the most important book anyone that has Internet presence should read. Owning a number of online businesses myself, I was eager to read this book because I wanted to know more about Sue Scheff’s experience and the successful outcome of a lawsuit. Her case was the first in Internet defamation and landed her $11.3M. But, there was so much more I learned than her story.
Written by Sue Scheff herself, as well as John W. Dozier Jr., a Internet law attorney, “Google Bomb” not only tells of Scheff’s experience with defamation by nasty people but also the emotional trauma she went through. For a site that started off being a helpful site to parents of troubled teens, it ended up smeared all over the Internet as deceptive. The interesting aspect is that the disparaging comments went viral and ended up on the top of the Google search engine. Consequently, potential visitors to Scheff’s site were redirected to derogatory and defaming information.
Dozier’s parts of the book follow Scheff’s comments and experience. They intermingle, giving the reader a fuller understanding of how others can control your site by, for e.g., creating anchor texts on their site but using your information and directing the visitors to their site where the defamatory information exists. Or, in other cases, the anchor texts are used by competitors so the visitors are directed to their sites instead of yours.
Dozier also explains how you can protect yourself against such attacks and gives suggestions of some Internet companies that offer this service. He also goes into copyright violations, cyberstalking, the Striesand Effect, hacking, spamming, and theft of trademarks. As I mentioned before, this could be the most important book you could read. It sure is for me. I used a full container of sticky tabs to mark important information and areas I need to re-read and implement.
“Google Bomb” is highly recommended because it gives you important information of what could happen to innocent people if not protected or on top of matters. Unfortunately there are many laws not in place to protect us on the Internet so we have to take our own responsibility to be cognizant and one way is to sign up for Google Alerts. This book isn’t meant to scare the site holders, but to inform them of what could happen if not aware. Awareness is the key, and by reading “Google Bomb” I can guarantee you will become more aware than you were before.
Tags: Cyber Slander, Google Bomb, Google Bomb Book, Internet Defamation, Internet Slander, Online Harassment, Sue Scheff
Sue Scheff: Don’t Get Caught Naked Online!
by Sue Scheff on Jan 15, 2010
- Are you looking for employment?
- Is your teen applying to colleges?
- Do you run a small business?
- Are you dating online?
- Does your career depend on your reputation?
It’s official; PEW study shows that about 75% of all Americans are using the Internet. More importantly over 53% of people are Googling each other! Do you know what Google is saying about you?
If you fall in any of the categories above, you have reason to be concerned about your virtual image. Being caught naked online doesn’t necessarily mean “butt” naked, however it does mean virtually exposed in ways that may not be flattering to you or your quest in life.
Google Bomb, The Untold Story of the $11.3M Verdict that Changed The Way We Use The Internet, is a great place to start on repairing and/or polishing your online image. Learn from my story, gain from my virtual disaster that lead to an awareness of the power of a keystroke. Google Bomb also offers great tools to help you dress yourself up online.
For more great tips on maintaining your virtual profile, visit my series on Virtual Vanity.
Order Google Bomb book today and take control of your wardrobe virtually – remember, whether you are applying for a job, going on a date, or interviewing for admissions at a college – chances are very high someone will be Googling you.
What is a Google bomb?
Google Bomb (n) or “link bomb”: Internet slang for a certain kind of attempt to raise the ranking of a given page in results from a Google search. (Wikipedia)
Insure your cyber profile. Learn how to wear your virtual clothes.
Also on Examiner.
Tags: Cyber Image, Cyber Safety, Google Bomb, Google Bomb Book, Internet Profile, Internet Safety, Internet Slander, Online Reputation
Sue Scheff: Internet Defamation – Talk Radio
by Sue Scheff on Dec 12, 2009
I was thrilled to be a guest on Traverse Legal Radio this week!
We talked about Internet Defamation and how it can devastate your business and reputation.
Learn more – click here to read the transcript and listen!
Reminder: Purchase Google Bomb book to learn more about how you can maintain your virtual image! Learn from my mistakes!
Tags: Cyber Safety, Cyber Slander, Google Bomb Book, Internet Defamation, Internet Gossip, Internet Safety, Internet Slander, Online Safety, Sue Scheff
Sue Scheff: Cyber stalking and Internet Defamation Documentary – MUST WATCH!
by Sue Scheff on Nov 09, 2009
For everyone and anyone that is reading this, you use the Internet. I recently watch the most compelling and disturbing documentary. I almost feel like Oprah when I say – you have to watch this! I have never been so moved to anger, rage, and other emotions that we are now confronted with because of monsters that lurk online.
My recent book, Google Bomb, is the tip of the iceberg after watching this film. The victims, and now crusaders, in this film contacted me after hearing about my book and my own experiences.
Many people that have read my book say they have nightmares if they read it before going to bed. I never really understood that. Until I watched this documentary and lived it through other’s lives. My story is horrible, what I endured, however since I was so enmeshed in surviving on a daily basis, I didn’t realize how traumatic it was.
I know many of you have limited time. Watch this 50 minute film in segments if you have to, but watch it.
The title is “Stalkers” however I would prefer to use a phrase that was recently introduced to me – “criminals with a keyboard.”
This film shares two stories with you. One with Graham Brown-Martin (pictured above) and his lovely wife, Ren as well as their toddler daughter and the other with a man, Chay, who in one weak moment had a one night stand that takes obsession to a new level. If there was ever a “Fatal Attraction” through the Internet, we have found it. However, unlike the Hollywood movie, Chay literally only had a one night stand, no strings attached. He never heard again from her until months later, and it would be the worse next years of his life.
Are you ready to watch?
http://www.digitalsafety.com/cyberstalking
Don’t miss a minute of it! Visit Digital Safety for more information.
Tags: Cyber Attacks, Cyberstalking, Google Bomb Book, Internet Defamation, Internet Gossip, Internet Slander, Internet Stalking, Sue Scheff
Sue Scheff: Google Bomb book Receives Glowing Review from Conversations with Moms
by Sue Scheff on Oct 21, 2009
Recently I was interviewed by Maria Melo, Conversatons with Moms, about my latest book, Google Bomb. She wrote an outstanding review, which I am very excited about. Maria decided Google Bomb deserved a two part series, as many know now, learning to protect yourself and your family online has become a priority as the Internet expands and the regulations don’t.
Here is a section of Part 1, and please take the time to read my interview with Maria in Part 2.
Google Bomb Review – The Untold Story of the $11.3M Verdict
When I first started being active on the internet, I was very naive to the Internet World. I’ve learned a lot in the past year and thought that I truly understood the power of the internet. Until I read, “Google™ Bomb”.
Lets just say that I now feel as though I lived in a cave. I was totally unaware of the true power and damage that the internet can do. I don’t know where I was in 2006 to not have heard of the landmark internet case that won Sue Scheff $11.3 million for defamation of character. The only thing I can think of is that I wasn’t active online and didn’t really pay attention to what happened in the internet world.
When I was asked to review this book, I was curious as to find out what could have happened to Sue to make her have won such a large lawsuit. I had never heard of the term Google™ Bomb and thought it would be an informative read. I HAD NO IDEA JUST HOW MUCH I WOULD LEARN.
I was happy to provide this review if only to spread the word of how vicious the internet could be and in hopes of getting the word out that there are simple things you can do to protect yourself.
READ THE ENTIRE REVIEW AND INTERVIEW HERE.
Tags: Cyber Safety, Cyber Slander, Google Bomb Book, Internet Defamation, Internet Gossip, Internet Safety, Internet Slander, Michael Fertik, Sue Scheff
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