Thoughts 23 Jun 2006 11:42 am
privacy
I found this nice little utility that removes the M$ wga call home function, evidently it still allows the authentic copy check, but at least it stops some of the spying. You should read the whole page when you download it here . M$ obviously feels that as long as we use their software they can do anything they damn well please, and if you wade through the EULA and their privacy statement, you’ll find that they’re even willing to put that sentiment in writing.
The FTC recently lost two computers containing the personal information, including some financial data, on 110 people. These computers were password protected, and if they used Winblows security it will take someone “minutes” to get in. This is the organization that is responsible for protecting us from fraud and identity theft and you know the numbers are going to go up.
The VA lost data on 26.5 million vets, the DOE was hacked for info on 1,500 employees and contractors.
The Dept of Agriculture lost data on about 26,000 employees to hackers.
Makes you feel all safe and warm, and kinda fuzzy inside, doesn’t it.