The societal cost of the “Snowden Effect”

By William H. Butler,  Chair, Cybersecurity Program, Capitol Technology University

As a result of Edward Snowden's disclosure of numerous National Security Agency (NSA) secrets to several media outlets, there are signs of change in attitudes across our society and globally. 

First, consumers seek more privacy protections for their smart phones from manufacturers and service providers. For example, the iPhone 6 and the latest Android O/S release have improved encryption over previous releases. Law enforcement and intelligence agencies that depend on the ability to conduct investigations by accessing data from smart phones are not supportive of this increased privacy.

Second, some federal agencies report that the simple transfer of data between systems or downloads to storage devices requires what is called “two person integrity” (meaning it takes two employees now when one would do before). The operational, financial and morale impacts within these agencies are obvious.

Third, foreign countries such as Germany and Brazil were outraged that their leaders' smart phones were regularly monitored for years by the United States. Brazil went so far as to threaten to award huge competitive contracts to anyone but U.S. firms in response. These foreign nations are saying that all U.S. high tech companies are actively working with the NSA, which is not true. In response U.S. companies are working hard to distance themselves publicly from any association with the NSA and the intelligence community to remain competitive internationally. 

Finally, citizens are investigating tools and techniques to remain both anonymous on the Internet and protect the privacy of their communications over their smart phones. This has resulted in increased sales of encryption, secure email products, and secure phones which are difficult to track and other emerging security products and services. There are even email products that can erase your email or attachments at a designated time set by you the sender.

The costs to business, government and our national reputation have been high. The American people must weigh in on the raging debate about the proper balance between our individual right to privacy and our governments’ first duty to protect the American people from all enemies (physical and cyber).

Related Information

Toptenreviews (2015). Email Encryption Software Review: REVIEWS AND COMPARISONS. Retrieved from:  https://www.business.com/categories/best-antivirus-and-internet-security/

Cellphone (2015). Which Smartphone Is Most Secure. Retrieved from: http://cellphone2015.com/which/which-smartphone-is-most-secure.html