The U.S. Accessed Canadian Phone Calls and Internet Data

Today’s IP news roundup highlights some of the latest headlines in data privacy, cloud and more:

• The U.S. government collected surveillance on Canadians. According to Yahoo, “The Washington Post learned this week that U.S. authorities have been mining tech companies to access emails, photos and other documents in order to analyze a person’s online behaviour. A separate report suggested the government was doing the same with calls on the Verizon telephone network, both inside the U.S. as well as other countries.” The article stated that U.S. authorities have gathered data from Canada and that even using Canadian or European data centres “is not enough to assure customers that their data would forever stay out of the grasp of US intelligence services.” For more information on why Canadians should be concerned about U.S. surveillance, see the Yahoo article.  

• U.S. surveillance of personal data undermines cloud security. According to Computerworld, “In order for cloud computing solutions to be seen as viable alternatives to more traditional desktop solutions users — personal and business users alike — need to be 100 percent certain their data is secure.” However, U.S. surveillance of cloud data puts this confidence at risk.  

Since many of the technology companies involved, including Yahoo and Google, stated they were unaware that user data was being monitored, this proves there are gaps in cloud security. The article calls for a Bill of Digital Rights to offer greater protection in the cloud. However, the article also questions “even if there were such a Bill, would governments respect the spirit of it?” For more information on how PRISM electronic surveillance impacts cloud security, see the Computerworld article.

• Mobile Commerce Press reported that 4G networks could lead to greater mobile security risks. The publication states, “These networks themselves are not considered a problem, but they could become a very popular avenue for hackers and malicious groups that are looking to take advantage of any mobile security shortfalls that may exist.” The article suggests that it’s important to protect any mobile device that connects to a 4G network. For more information on mobile security risks, see the Mobile Commerce Press site.
• And finally … global big data revenue will reach $12.4 billion this year. Visiongain’s World Big Data Market Opportunities 2013-2018: Converging Data Architectures report revealed that 80% of enterprises are now investing in big data. According to Visiongain, “One of the key driving points for big data services has been its applicability to all forms of organizations where some sort of data is being compiled and managed. While all of these organizations might not gain equally from the application of big data, some will thrive from it and others will see results with a lower impact. Nonetheless big data is here to stay and is already being adopted in many sectors including healthcare, communications, retail, transport, private and the public sector.” For more information, see the World Big Data Market Opportunities 2013-2018: Converging Data Architectures press release.

What is your take on today’s news? Feel free to share your opinions below.