The increasing number of internet dangers are driving millions of Americans offline

[Kibaruk]

OK, let me see a show of hands, how many of you thought this topic would turn out like this...?

Once you started replying... *raise hands*

 

[captaincranky]

Once you started replying... *raise hands*

I see *Prince KIbaruk* has checked in.

 

[RobStow]

It is not just the part of the internet that I access with my computers and phone that worries me: using my bank/credit cards at stores, pubs, gas stations, etc worries me just as much because I have no way of knowing how well protected their systems are. Nor do I know the trustworthiness of the clerk or waitress I am handing my card to.

I find myself going to the bank to get cash more often and paying with cash whenever I can. And, of course, I still worry about the security of the ATMs at the bank.

 

[captaincranky]

It is not just the part of the internet that I access with my computers and phone that worries me: using my bank/credit cards at stores, pubs, gas stations, etc worries me just as much because I have no way of knowing how well protected their systems are. Nor do I know the trustworthiness of the clerk or waitress I am handing my card to.

I find myself going to the bank to get cash more often and paying with cash whenever I can. And, of course, I still worry about the security of the ATMs at the bank.

Well, there's always, "Life Lock",they talk a good job, I suppose...

 

[Kibaruk]

*raises hand again*

 

[captaincranky]

*raises hand again*

OK, hands down, ears open.

This topic is a non-starter, "Americans are being forced offline". First and foremost, so what? That just means more bandwidth for me. Americans are ploddingly stupid online, desperate to bare their souls, to connect with others, and manage to lose their personal information in the process. Otherwise, Twitter and Facebook wouldn't exist.

Although the fact the criminals seems to be winning, is, I suppose, depressing. But yet, when some traitor like Eric Snowden sprays top secret information around, you'll be the first one to start cheering about, "the data breech".
Then afterwards, you return to whimpering about, "your privacy and your rights". "Those meanies at the FBI want to hack my phone", boo-hoo.

As long as it's the state's data, not yours, it's OK. At least that's the impression I've taken away from you.

Anyway, as near as I can tell, you don't really have anything to offer in the way of a solution to the issue. A way we can get America back online, a way to get those data overages into triple digit charges. Let's get this economy on the move! Come to papa, Comcast needs a brand new building!

So, the humorous route doesn't suit you, yet you don't have anything to add? The paradox continues.

Captaincranky raises hand.

(BTW, I think I'm to be commended for not blaming any of this on Elon Musk)...

 

[Kibaruk]

Oh sorry crank-o-matic, all the crap you put before this last post was supposed to add anything into the conversation? And then you dare ask me what I'm adding??

Please read the first comments before you started crapping all over...

This topic is a non-starter, "Americans are being forced offline". First and foremost, so what? That just means more bandwidth for me. Americans are ploddingly stupid online, desperate to bare their souls, to connect with others, and manage to lose their personal information in the process. Otherwise, Twitter and Facebook wouldn't exist.

Forced offline? By whom? Did you actually read the news besides the first couple of really dumb comments?

People need more education, not more restriction or governance... like... people I know that I won't divulge, use the same password as pin number, to home security code, to email password and so on.

And don't come in waving your "better than thou" crap, you are not better as much as you repeat it to yourself in the mirror after posting some *****ic **** with a lot of attitude on a post.

And just for the sake of it... let me put all the contributions you've made to the topic...

Maybe, "there simply aren't that many princes in Nigeria with access to email accounts"?

-
So you are a Nigerian prince with an email account? How else would you know those things?

"Dear Prince yRaz,
I am so sorry I can't help you reclaim your kingdom. Things are tough all over, and I only have a few dollars of my own. Here's my bank account number so you can check it out for yourself". 5555-1234-2345-3456

OK, let me see a show of hands, how many of you thought this topic would turn out like this...?

Yeah... adding a lot to the topic... yet "better than thou" topics arose... bravo well done...

 

[captaincranky]

...[ ]....Forced offline? By whom? Did you actually read the news besides the first couple of really dumb comments? ...[ ]....

Yeah, I did. They were "forced" offline by their own fears. Remember though, it's not "paranoia", if somebody is actually is out to get you. If people are too stupid and/or lazy to pick up a landline when they want to spend a crap load of money instead of going online, to avoid the data mining whose fault is that?

And don't come in waving your "better than thou" crap, you are not better as much as you repeat it to yourself in the mirror after posting some *****ic **** with a lot of attitude on a post.

I actually only have one mirror in me whole damned house. You make up for that though, with a lifetime supply of asterisks, ****************. There's some of my spares, I don't mind sharing

And just for the sake of it... let me put all the contributions you've made to the topic...

You don't like me personally, so nothing I could say would be found humorous. Ya got nuthin', and you're going to talk down to me anyway.

Now, you either have a solution for these poor souls who are being "forced offline", or you don't. If you don't that's not my problem. I just use humor to stir the lemonade. You apparently don't even have that at your disposal.

STAFF EDIT LINE:____________________________________________________________________________________

Now why don't you go commiserate about me with your twin sister / VIP in arms Puiu.

 

[Kibaruk]

It was humorous to follow you on the joke, it wasn't when you said I wasn't contribuing nothing when you started freaking around the post... I think you don't like me since the whole crank-o-matic deal, to tell you the truth I don't care although I think the crank-o-matic typewritter is real...

Probably this kind of dudes also "force you offline".

Here have some more asterisks **********, they are on me.

PS: it was dumbistick bullcrap that got asterisked... I mean come on techspot, I don't think it needs asterisks when you say I-Diot, do you??? or feces, I mean really...
PS2: And to this point, your contribution to the post is still 0, after 5 posts... how can you?!

 

[captaincranky]

It was humorous to follow you on the joke, it wasn't when you said I wasn't contribuing nothing when you started freaking around the post... I think you don't like me since the whole crank-o-matic deal, to tell you the truth I don't care although I think the crank-o-matic typewritter is real...

If you think the shtick about the "crank-o-matic" typewriter was real, then perhaps you should be extra careful what you click on.

If the "Prince yRaz" routine was funny, why not play along?

There are any number of operating truths here. Primarily, you aren't going to stop Amazon and Google from invading your web life, along with every other special interest group who knows the slightest thing about Java coding . Security has been preached more than the gospel for at least the past decade. Some passwords are still "123456". Internet Explorer is still the browser of choice for victims far & wide. And you still fail an IQ test, if you take it online, now matter how high your score.

As far as this crap being limited to online, hell, I still get phone calls on the landline with offers of, "helping me with my computer". Oh,and my answering machine tells me the IRS is filing suit against me, despite the fact I've had no income other than social security for years.

The truth is, our entire species is crap. Under all the "love, peace, & brotherhood" propaganda, humans serve no other interest than their own. The only way data is controlled is keeping workers in check through fear. A good chunk of the populace will never be satisfied with what they have, nor will they be satisfied after they steal what you have. They'll simply move on to the next victim.

It's a flaw in our bloodline which runs from long before Alexander wasn't content simply ruling Macedonia, to the lady next door who is busy pilfering the pee wee football league's checking account for wigs and shoes. We are what we are, might as well laugh about it. That is, of course, after we're done scanning the computer.

 

[RobStow]

Well, there's always, "Life Lock",they talk a good job, I suppose...

Look at it this way: the cash registers at the stores, bars, restaurants, etc., are not air-gapped. They are part of the same system you use when you make purchases over the internet. The interface is different - your web browser versus a cashier operating a register - but the system being interacted with is the same. Thus if you think you have reason to be concerned about your security when dealing with those businesses over the internet, then it follows that you should also be concerned about using credit cards or bank cards when dealing with them in person.

 

[captaincranky]

Look at it this way: the cash registers at the stores, bars, restaurants, etc., are not air-gapped.

Well, that's pretty much what I've been saying. Your money and personal information aren't safe anywhere. So, if you get freaked out and quit the web, that's more bandwidth.for me.

The only way you could be completely safe, (at least from cyber crime), is to do business all in cash, from people who pay in cash. The trouble with that is, you can't even have a social security number or a birthday, or it's into the system you go. And a mortgage, fuggedaboutit.

It's just so much easier to give money away with a computer. When you feel like being robbed, you get to experience it in the comfort of your own home. No bump on the head, no gunshot wounds, no walking around on dark streets late at night trying to hunt down a desperate junkie to beat the crap out of you. Of course some people are into that sort of thing. No accounting for taste, I suppose.

I guess people think that Google is giving them a free search engine and 8GB of mail storage because they're entitled. That's the trouble with this generation. They could score genius on every IQ test they take, yet still be dumber and more naive than a box of rocks..

You know what though, they'll argue to the death with you that you should install Windows 10 on your computer, or you're a Luddite, no matter how much of your personal info M$ sucks out of it..

 

[yRaz]

If you think the shtick about the "crank-o-matic" typewriter was real, then perhaps you should be extra careful what you click on.

If the "Prince yRaz" routine was funny, why not play along?

I can't believe that you have been so supportive of my cause, I will double the line of credit that I was originally going to give you once I open my Amerikan bank

 

[captaincranky]

Thank heaven and praise Allah you have returned, esteemed Prince yRaz. The infidels have been twisting my words, all the while nipping at my heels like the godless dogs they are....

I will email ten of your credit card applications to my followers, and I will command them each to email ten copies to their brothers. I will humbly do this in service to your greater glory, my prince...

We shall make these pre-paid credit cards. This will provide the necessary funds, in order that you may journey here in a manner befitting your nobility. .

 

[yRaz]

Dear captaincranky,
I'm sorry to hear about your struggles with the infidels! I can't imagine what you're going through. However, I'd like to take this opportunity to tell you about an insurance plan that you've been pre-approved for that protects you, and your loved ones, against infidels! All I need is your personal information and the answers to any privacy questions you may have set. I can do all this for the reasonable price of $199 a month for your first 3 months

I can't make this offer for just anyone, you've stood out among many other candidates. I'm both happy and sad to say that you're the only one I can trust with this offer.

Sincerely,
~Prince yRaz

 

[captaincranky]

Alas, glorious prince, I cannot at this time avail myself of your much more than generous offer. My youngest wife is relentlessly asking me for a $15,000.00 gold plated sex toy from, "Goop.com", the website of Satan's most malevolent bride, Gwyneth Paltrow. She says it will constantly remind her of me, and stave off her longings for my touch, while I am down in my mother's basement playing, "Dungeons & Dragons". She has threatened to cuckold me with the mailman if I do not capitulate to her wishes.

Her insistence places a dark fear in my soul of possible death by dild0. I fear I am damned to eternal darkness if I do this for her , and damned to perennial nagging if I don't.

Thus I have two questions, your wisdom.

Would my credit card have sufficient funds to purchase this forged in hell by Satan himself, unholy device?

And would your insurance plan cover my untimely demise, in the event her rage and lust overtook the angels of her better nature?

I have thoughtfully left my social security number and security questions and answers on my Facebook page for you, my prince

 

[Linoid]

If you think the shtick about the "crank-o-matic" typewriter was real, then perhaps you should be extra careful what you click on.

If the "Prince yRaz" routine was funny, why not play along?

There are any number of operating truths here. Primarily, you aren't going to stop Amazon and Google from invading your web life, along with every other special interest group who knows the slightest thing about Java coding . Security has been preached more than the gospel for at least the past decade. Some passwords are still "123456". Internet Explorer is still the browser of choice for victims far & wide. And you still fail an IQ test, if you take it online, now matter how high your score.

As far as this crap being limited to online, hell, I still get phone calls on the landline with offers of, "helping me with my computer". Oh,and my answering machine tells me the IRS is filing suit against me, despite the fact I've had no income other than social security for years.

The truth is, our entire species is crap. Under all the "love, peace, & brotherhood" propaganda, humans serve no other interest than their own. The only way data is controlled is keeping workers in check through fear. A good chunk of the populace will never be satisfied with what they have, nor will they be satisfied after they steal what you have. They'll simply move on to the next victim.

It's a flaw in our bloodline which runs from long before Alexander wasn't content simply ruling Macedonia, to the lady next door who is busy pilfering the pee wee football league's checking account for wigs and shoes. We are what we are, might as well laugh about it. That is, of course, after we're done scanning the computer.

Oh man . . ain't that the truth. We are our own worst enemies.

 

[Kibaruk]

Oh man . . ain't that the truth. We are our own worst enemies.

I think by now, prince yRaz is our enemy...although I'm unsure... his offer... too tempting...very money...much wow.

 

[JJ Shephard]

But they are returning again to using the internet because so much of their lives depend on the internet these days isn't it? You can always keep your internet activity to the basic browse and transparent communication if you having nothing to hide that is.

 

[Boilerhog146]

Raises Hand!

 

[naha1]

Additionally, 19 percent of Internet-using households - equating to 19 million American homes - reported being affected by some form of malicious online activity in the last year, which exacerbated their fears.