Are we Safe Out There?

After reading one of Lois’s blog on security issues, I went back to what she was commenting on from Derek’s blog. While I understand, the risk of things you put on Face Book and MySpace these are not the real security issues that concern me. The fact that it is the Christmas season again and many retailers have your credit card information concerns me much more that what I have on MySpace. The fact that if you have my social security number it is only a small step to get all medical information worries me. This is a new world in information gathering and there is really no way to avoid it completely.
Believe me Derek, when I say I can understand your concerns but when I worked for a Department of Defense contractor and had to have a security clearance, it is no different today than it was then. It was just harder to get the information then. The DOD went to my neighbors, friends, and relatives and asks them questions about me. Some, I thought, very personal. If a company wants to spend the time looking into your past they can find all the stupid things you did. The only difference today is it is much easier.
I would be more concerned if I had a bad credit history or a criminal, record than I would what my daughter says about me on MySpace. I realize some of your concern but I think the media has played it up as more hype than actually exist. I am not sure I would want to work for a company that doesn’t hire me because of what I have posted on blogs or MySpace. If they are that intrusive in their hiring practices, how are they going to be to work for? These are the same companies that are most likely going to read every email you receive or send. Do you really want to work for a company that is 2nd to Big Brother?
With that said, I do agree you do have to watch what you post but I think that it should be consistent with the rest of your life. Don’t post anything out there, that you would be ashamed for others to see. Then again, this is nothing new; don’t do anything in public that you feel is inappropriate. Just ask a recent senator, even the public restrooms in the airports are not completely beyond scrutiny.