Ben Gillenwater, Technology Expert, Former NSA Contractor on Internet Safety

In this insightful episode, host Mark Stinson sits down with Ben Gillenwater, a technology expert with a background as a CTO, former NSA contractor, and entrepreneur. Together, they delve into the critical topic of internet safety in the home, exploring the intersection of creativity, technology, and security.

Ben shares his unique perspective on how the digital age's innovations come with significant privacy and security concerns that every family should be aware of. He offers practical advice on how to protect personal information and minimize risks, emphasizing the importance of staying vigilant in the face of increasingly sophisticated online threats.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding the Stakes: Internet safety extends far beyond physical threats; it includes privacy, emotional well-being, and protecting against the monetization of our digital behaviors. Major companies like Meta, Google, and Microsoft are financially motivated to collect and utilize personal data to enhance their advertising revenue, often at the cost of user privacy.

2. The Hidden Dangers of Data Collection: Seemingly harmless online activities can lead to significant behavioral and information exposure. For instance, social media platforms like Facebook track user behavior across the internet, leading to data breaches like the Cambridge Analytica scandal, where personal data was exploited for political gain.

3. Children and Internet Safety: Giving children unfiltered access to the internet is akin to leaving your home’s front door unlocked. Ben stresses the importance of monitoring and controlling internet access for children and gradually increasing their exposure as they mature and develop better judgment.

4. The Illusion of Free Services: Many free apps and services are designed to capture and monetize user data. Ben advises listeners to be skeptical of "free" offerings, as they often come with hidden costs, such as compromised privacy and personal information being sold to third parties.

5. Practical Solutions for Families: There are actionable steps that families can take to protect themselves, such as using child safety apps like Bark, which offer comprehensive monitoring of children’s online activities. However, as children grow older, it’s essential to balance technical controls with education on digital literacy and responsible online behavior.

Quote:

*"You are safer removing the locks in your house than you are giving your kids unfiltered access to the Internet." — Ben Gillenwater

Don’t miss this episode if you want to learn how to safeguard your family’s digital life and navigate the complexities of internet safety in the modern age.

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