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11. 2. 2021

People vs. chat applications

Even the most technologically advanced application will not protect us from the greatest threat that is there - us.

It is only a few days since the planned changes in the conditions of use of one of the largest chat applications triggered expressions of strong passions across the media, IT experts, but also  in the general public. Based on the tumultuous reactions that forced the company’s management to even postpone these changes, it could be assumed that we, ordinary users, are already fully aware of the issues related to the protection of privacy. Well, is that really so, or have we just soothed ourselves with the fact that we’ve been part of the witch hunt in the form of Facebook and WhatsApp for a few days, but we haven’t really changed anything in our approach to the online world?

Yes, there are always alternative applications that are more or less secure, with better encryption, transparent data storage etc.. It’s up to us to choose. But even the most technologically advanced and corporation-independent application will not protect us from the greatest threat that is there – us.

We rely entirely on application security, but it’s time to realize that an application is just a communication tool. We are the screenwriters, cameramen and directors of the movie of our privacy, work, secrets. And we usually hide all this behind just a simple password, and sometimes not even that. Or am I wrong?

I have a simple quiz for you. Everyone can evaluate their answers and see if they are guarding their privacy: Do you have strong and unique passwords to log in to devices and applications? When was the last time you changed them? Do you also have an antivirus on your mobile? Do you update your systems regularly? Do you care what permissions you grant to applications? Do you use a well-secured network? Have you tried two-factor authentication yet? Do you know where your communication, photos or videos are backed up everywhere?

At Aliter Technologies, we deal with more complex issues of cyber security, but I consider these, which I present, to be the basis of healthy survival in today’s digital world. Therefore, the best step to improve your online security is to be less comfortable.

VLADIMÍR PALEČKA
PRODUCT MANAGER FOR STRATEGIC PROJECTS AND CYBERSECURITY, ALITER TECHNOLOGIES, A.S.

He gained more than 16 years of experience in multinational companies in various positions in IT and marketing. He has experience in business development and corporate transformation programs.

Source: (in Slovak) Forbes

Preview of Forbes: People vs. chat applications
Even the most technologically advanced application will not protect us from the greatest threat that is there - us.