Instances of increased hacking and increased cases of government spying on its citizens, Edward Snowden advices on avoiding service offered by Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB), Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) and Dropbox. It is not a secret that government agencies are using these sites to collect vital information depending on what people update, according to the NSA whistleblower.
Avoid Sites That Lack Encryption
Snowden specifically took note of Dropbox that is known to be hostile in meeting privacy demands. The service does not offer any encryption meaning all data on its servers remain exposed to the prying eyes of government agencies and hackers. Snowden was making the remarks in an interview from his hideouts in Russia during the New Yorker festival.
Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB), Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) have over the years maintained that they have increased security levels of data that people share on their platforms. Snowden maintains that the two networks still remain vulnerable and dangerous services for anyone looking to protect their privacy. Snowden advices on using encrypted tools such as Redphone and Silent Circle, when transferring any data.2
No Encryption Guarantees Total Security
Even with increased encryption and security levels, Snowden maintains that users should not be tricked into thinking that their devices are protected from the reach of authorities. Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB), Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) and other companies from time to time have been requested to provide data by authorities in instances of ongoing investigations. Staying clear of these services could, on the other hand, be the only solution in staying clear of the prying eyes of the government agencies.
Sending unencrypted messages is also dangerous according to Snowden as authorities have a tendency of intersecting any message on transit. Snowden’s sentiments came in the wake of Twitter Inc (NYSE:TWTR) suing the government on what it claims to be a violation of free speech.
