Google Chrome Is Reported to Violate Users’ Privacy

According to recent reports, Google downloads audio listeners to those PCs that run Chrome and transmit personal audio data back to the company. This means that they violate your privacy by means of listening to all conversations that go on in those rooms where Google Chrome runs. This is done without your personal awareness of the fact.

When you start Chromium or Google Chrome, you can notice strange status info, which says that both the microphone and the audio capture options are allowed. This means that Google downloads a black box code, which turns on the microphone, every time you start Chromium or Chrome. This is how they can listen to your private conversations. 

Let us compare Google Chrome with GNU/Linux now to understand the situation. When you download and install GNU/Linux versions, such as Debian or Ubuntu, there are no black boxes that are installed onto your computer automatically. This is because the developers have analyzed all lines of human-readable source codes before building the operating system into computer-executable binary codes. As a result, the final product is built by means of using numerous source code “upstreams”, which do not require any black box installation.

Google Chrome, in its turn, was developed in a different way, thus making it possible to automatically download and install black box codes onto computers. Although, it is impossible to detect the purpose of the black box, the reports make it clear that it helps activate the microphone as soon as you start Chromium or Chrome. This means that your computer transmits all conversations going on in the room to a private company without your awareness of the fact.  This is definitely the violation of your privacy.

Google has responded to the report by the official statement consisting of 3 parts. In the first part, they acknowledged that they downloaded and installed the black box to users’ computers, but they did not activate it. They underlined that they would never abuse the trust of millions of users across the globe by activating the audio transmitting function without their knowledge or consent. 

In the second part of their official statement, Google pointed out that although Chromium bypassed the entire source code auditing process by means of downloading the pre-built black box code onto users’ computers, they did not use that option to violate their clients’ privacy. Finally, the third part of the statement said that Google had deliberately hidden the listening module from their users, but only because they considered it a part of the overall Google Chrome experience.

Does this statement sound excusable? Definitely, not! So, if you continue using Chromium or Google Chrome, you can be 100% sure you download a black box from the company each time you start it and you cannot do anything to prevent that!

Experts underline that it also makes sense to enhance the safety of other devices you use every day.  If you have a webcam, use a hard shield or a shutter to close it when the camera is not in use. If you need a microphone, use a physical switch, which breaks the electrical connection instead of using a software on/off microphone switch. It is you who are responsible for your personal safety and no one else is allowed to violate it! 

Job Perspectives For Locksmiths

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job perspectives for locksmiths are promising nowadays. With the advanced development of security systems and technologies, however, the role, duties and skills of locksmiths have notably changed. They do not only replace, install or repair mechanical locks and keys, but also deal with modern electronic security devices used in residential buildings, commercial establishments and public facilities. 

To be capable of handling such a versatile assortment of security problems, locksmiths have to be well-trained, certified, experienced and properly equipped. These are the main requirements for the representatives of this profession today.

It is expected that the demand for locksmiths will increase during the next several years. By the end of 2018, their number is likely to exceed 25000 in the US only, which is an almost 12% growth. This is how specialists explain this prognosis:

• ·    Extensive construction of residential and commercial buildings (residences, apartments, private businesses, commercial establishments, medical and social facilities, government agencies etc.)

• ·     The increased rate of economic and business development, as well as replacement needs.

• ·    Technological advancement and development of security devices.

• ·   High retirement rate, which increases the demand for qualified specialists to fill vacant positions.

It is reported that the highest percentage of industry employment for skilled locksmiths is observed in security and investigation services, while the second highest index is registered in business facilities support. Actually, locksmiths are needed everywhere nowadays. 

The profession is popular in such industries as universities and colleges, secondary and elementary schools, security services, scientific research establishments, traveler accommodations, commercial wholesalers, as well as federal, state and local government agencies.

According to the report published by The Freedonia Group (a top international business research company), the demand for locksmiths is going to increase not only in the United States, but in India, China, Turkey and South Africa as well. This is explained by the extensive construction of new commercial and residential establishments, increase in the gross domestic product and growth of population in these countries.

What About Electronic Security Systems?

The growing need for the implementation of high-tech residential and commercial electronic security systems is one of the basic reasons for the increased employment perspectives for professional locksmiths all around the world. According to The Freedonia Group report, the global demand for quality security equipment will increase 7% annually, to reach $117 billion value in 2016.

That is why there is a necessity for all locksmiths to improve their professional skills by attending training courses, such as Certified Alarm Technician course, provided by the Electronic Security Association. This will help locksmiths to keep up with the advanced computerized and electronic security requirements.  

Mistakes You Should Avoid When Securing Your Premises

Office and house break-ins have become widespread nowadays. Although some people believe that this is the result of the criminal situation and installation of poor quality locks, there are still several mistakes homeowners make when securing their premises. Listed below are the most frequent mistakes that make your house or office subjected to burglaries.

1.    Purchasing Locks from Indecent Manufacturers

What is the first thing you do when you are hungry? You surely visit one of the most trustworthy cafés or restaurants in your location. What do you do when you need to get a new car? The answer is nearly the same: you choose a reliable car manufacturer or go to a showroom that is worth your attention. Why then people frequently decide to buy locks from indecent sellers right on the street or in a general hardware store with sellers who lack knowledge and experience in this area?

The conclusion is obvious: if you wish to secure your premises from burglaries, it makes sense to buy locks from a trustworthy company that specializes in selling locks and other accessories.

2.    Entrusting Your Keys with Many People

When the police try to figure out the details of burglaries, they often find out that owners of the premises that were burglarized shared their keys with too many people. This doesn’t only makes it almost impossible to solve the crime, but also explains why your premises are subjected to break-ins. The more people have your keys, the easier it is for potential criminals to duplicate them.

There is even no need to steal a key, because experienced burglars can take the one from people you trust and then put it back so that they wouldn’t even notice that. So, try NOT to entrust your keys with too many people!

3.    Absence of Adequate Research

There are numerous situations, when people do not have time or desire to shop around for a trustworthy manufacturer. Some of them may even ask their builders or technicians to buy locks for their houses or offices. Indecent technicians may take advantage over the situation and get cheap locks instead of quality ones just to pocket the money.

Meanwhile, the importance of this step should not be underestimated, because profound research may help you choose a quality lock.  If you really don’t have time, you can search for reputable lock manufacturers online.

4.   Lack of Desire to Invest Into Secure and Quality Locks/Padlocks

Quality locks or padlocks are expensive, but they are really worth the investment. The fact is that this is not the purchase you do every day. Even if you don’t have desire to invest into a good lock, just think about the potential risks you face. A quality lock will not only secure your premises from being burglarized, but will also make you feel safe about your hard-earned belongings. Think about that when making your final choice!