Communication and Discretion in the Demimonde
- Sarah Landon
- Nov 14, 2015
- 3 min read
Discretion is sometimes an overused word in this little world of ours, but it remains paramount to being able to stay and play as we do. Do you know much about security in communications online? By phone?
First of all, your email address is important to look at. If you use Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, or any other "free" email service, just know that the way the company makes money is by selling your information to third parties for advertising. Ever do a google search on something only to have it show up as an advertisement the next time you click on an online article or read an email? That's the fantastical nature of google. It learns about you by monitoring your searches. Google's "practice of analyzing the content of all the messages on its network and selling byproducts to advertisers" landed them in a lawsuit brought by Gmail users last year. And that funny Google streetview car? Turns out after being sued by 38 states, they admitted "they were collecting data from computers inside homes and structures, including 'passwords, e-mails and other personal information from unsuspecting computer users.'" Creepy enough?
The information Google, Yahoo, Hotmail and others gather is readily surrendered when Uncle Sam comes calling. This should give you a little pause, especially in light of some recent events regarding arrests and breaches of online security. You'll have also noticed that certain companies are cracking down on activities they deem are not up to their standards of morality.
And if you're using your work email and/or computer to communicate with me or anyone in the 'monde? Not good at all: Your boss or anyone else with access to the IT inner workings of your place of employment or business can (and often do) check your emails or browsing history. Stick to your personal smartphone or other such device, and don't use the office/business wi-fi.
Phone security is important if you don't want people you may live with (or others) spying on your activities- especially if they have access to your phone records. Text conersations can be accessed and printed out with the right request by the right person with the right information.
So what to do?
Well, first of all, I recommend getting off yahoo and hotmail and other free services like that. Go to a more secure, encrypted service like hushmail or protonmail. Hushmail is less secure only because they are known to give up records easily to Uncle Sam upon request, but Uncle Sam may not be your primary concern, in which case, Hushmail would be better than the yahoo, hotmail, and gmail. Protonmail is hosted in Switzerland and is not interested in helping any government or commercial entity spy on its citizens or users. Another secure email option is SafeOffice. This one you pay for, but does not include encryption (BTW- encryption only works if both users will encrypt; i.e., if both users have the same email system or use encryption and exchange keys). Instead, there is an option to send a link to your email rather than have it stored on your hard drive. You can also google "secure email options" and see what there is to see. Remember, google is taking notes. lol!
You'll notice that when you're planning time with me, after your initial email to me, I will email you from a non-published email address that is more secure, and one of those I recommend above.
Second, read this article and take some notes. ;)
Third, get a "bat phone"- a cheapie disposable you can use solely for this purpose, or a burner number for your smartphone you can destroy when necessary communication is complete. Apps that help your 'monde activities remain private are Burner and CoverMe. CoverMe is pretty serious security, and I recommend it.
And finally, if you're concerned about someone tracking what you do online, check out the TOR Browser.
I don't recommend becoming paranoid about any of this, but taking steps to ensure discretion for both of us in this endeavor is highly recommended so we can both rest assured that we are helping each other to remain safe and private. I hope you'll join me in this!
Helpful articles and links:
And if you've read this, please remember that my favorite color is Lemon Yellow and mention it when booking an appointment for a one-time 10% discount. ;) I may quiz you to make sure you've read this, so be prepared to earn the discount. :D
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