How safe are your discussions on the Internet?

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 10:43:39 -0500

In this day and age when there are so many reports of cyberattacks and privacy breeches just how safe are your discussions on sites such as RP or other military sites?

Sure there are privacy settings that can be adjusted but that is in and of itself no assurance of privacy or security. For instance, did you know that despite adjusting your settings to only allow verified members to contact you, that the content of your discussions here are RP are viewable if you google your name and rallypoint as search phrases?

Try it and you will see for yourself. RP isn't the only site that is allowing Google and other search engines to allow their content to be viewable on the search engines and certainly won't be the last.

I raise this question because for me there are very definite privacy issues involved. For instance, here on RP SM have raised sensitive issues regarding personnel, PT tests, regulations and such. Many Veterans on here have raised sensitive issues of PTSD, Mental and Physical ailments, MST, and financial woes. Not to mention some of our more robust discussions on politics, religion, etc.
An employer current or future, or someone in your CoC can Google you and all of your discussion sins are out there in cyberspace for all to see. This could affect careers or military service if context is misconstrued or considered inappropriate as well as excuses to fire or let go of someone because they may be considered not up to the job due to disclosed PTSD for example.
I raise this not to be a troublemaker, but rather to make everyone more acutely aware. I'm also hoping that perhaps RP staff and the like will just as they have a feature to check a box to post a thread on social media, have a similar checkbox mechanism to not allow search engiines to see a particular thread and protect one another here on RP.

It is something I feel very strong about given the recent nature of many conversations here. We've had a member who reached out and ultimately killed himself despite best efforts of fine folks on here to help him. We've had members with acute PTSD and well-being issues raise discussions on here as well. I know this may get me in trouble or this thread yanked, but I've decided that this is worth standing up for.

So I ask for your all to stand up and let's have each other's six.

SPC D W, 1LT L S, SGM Private RallyPoint Member, SSgt Private RallyPoint Member, SGT Private RallyPoint Member, MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca, Cpl Dennis F., PO3 Brendan "Smitty" Smith, SGT Robert Rainwater, SGT Jinger Jarrett, SSG Private RallyPoint Member, SGT Richard H.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2014 11:00 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 11:00:54 -0500

Safe on the internet? As in only those on RP can see comments? No such thing. Not happening. Everything you say here on RP is public knowlege - any claim otherwise is a lie. RP is a public forum - let's get real, you got here on what? Yep, go ahead and say it..... the internet.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2014 11:12 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 11:12:09 -0500

I always have taken the view that if you talk about something in a public forum like this online you are not given any privacy rights. Now if I send private messages to you that is a different situation. If I said I committed a crime on here do I deserve the right to privacy?

Do you have right to privacy in a conversation at a restaurant or any other public place vs. your house or other private place.

You need to view what you say in those contexts when your are on the internet.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2014 11:14 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 11:14:36 -0500

This is where common sense comes into play. Never write anything down on the internet that could ever be used to get you in any serious trouble. Even if you think it's safe behind privacy settings, login walls, or what have you, murphy's law still applies.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Nov 23 at 2014 11:17 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 11:17:43 -0500

As safe as yelling "FIRE" over the loudspeaker at Walmart on Black Friday. Be afraid...Be VERY afraid!

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Nov 23 at 2014 11:19 AM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 11:19:03 -0500

Rule #1 of social media: Never post anything, ever, on social media that would cause you or others harm if it was seen by the public.

I don't know how many times we read stories about people who thought they were just posting a picture to their small group of friends, only to have a friend repost it, or have it seen by others to begin with. This is true on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, internet forums, chat rooms, and also on RallyPoint. There is no way that somebody can expect to write a message to hundreds of thousands of members on RallyPoint but at the same time have strict confidence that it could not be discovered by others. Privacy is maintained in one-to-one communication such as email, private messages, etc. However, nobody should ever post anything on the internet that you would not post if it were seen by the public. This also goes for workplace intranets, non-classified government networks, etc.

RallyPoint does provide the option to completely block your identity (something sites like FaceBook and LinkedIn don't offer), in your settings page. However, you cannot go back and forth... you must block it all the time, not only when you want to post something that you want to remain hidden.

There are new social networks which are actually based on the premise of everyone being anonymous all the time. Even on those, I would never recommend posting anything that you could not afford to be seen by others and tied back to you... since there can always be a security or protocol breach on the side of the hosting company. I believe what this teaches all of us is to be thoughtful in what we write and what we share. We should all be proud of what we share... whether that is helping somebody else, asking a question, or admitting we need help ourselves.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2014 11:23 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 11:23:02 -0500

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member Privacy is a thing of the past, especially when it comes to anything that is electronic.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2014 11:21 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 11:21:43 -0500

In reality, RP deliberately pushed itself out on the internet - using all the tools to get RP on the front "page" of every search engine. Nothing nefarious there. The 'fuzzing' of SM's pics and other info was a limited effort to get by with minimal effort and effect on the security issues. Unfortunately, RP is rapidly becoming a mirror of FB with all the advertisements and enducements. I'm sure RP didn't have to sell our names - their already out there for the taking.

Response by CMSgt Ray Theriault made Nov 23 at 2014 11:23 AM

CMSgt Ray Theriault — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 11:23:51 -0500

Great topic. The result of the point you raise is why we have the resurrection of the likes of Genghis Kahn, King Mao, etc., on F/B, Dicqus, and others social and posting mechanisms. Aliases abound.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Nov 23 at 2014 11:32 AM

SGT Richard H. — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 11:32:18 -0500

The internet is essentially one big billboard that can be seen worldwide. If you wouldn't put it on a billboard, don't put it on the internet.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Nov 23 at 2014 11:35 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 11:35:33 -0500

That's a great suggestion Lisa. I think today you can't assume anything said on social media is safe from anyone. Even HTTPS like RP and eCommerce sites are vulnerable. Look at the AH in Russia who hacked all the web enabled baby monitor and home security systems - granted that was because users didn't reset the default password, but there were other things at work that had to be done to get to those systems. Unless a system is using trunk encryption devices, TEKs and the high end stuff the government uses, I think there will always be a possibility that personal data will be vulnerable. How many store chains this year alone have been compromised.

Another idea may to incorporate PGP - public/private key pair encryption, but that would be an undertaking and a half. Even though there are free open source options like gnu, I don't think RP would be able to be kept as a free site in order to absorb the infrastructure cost needed to support encrypting posts and emails.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Nov 23 at 2014 12:00 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 12:00:28 -0500

Not at all. I have personally seen posts that originated here on RP that have blown up and caused personnel to have meetings with their respective CoC.

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Nov 23 at 2014 1:18 PM

PO2 Corey Ferretti — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 13:18:39 -0500

I did not know that good info thanks PV2 Private RallyPoint Member. But i know the one thing my dad taught me was never post anything online that you would not want your grandmother to see. this year i went through my Facebook and started to delete post that i would not want a future or potential clients to see.

Response by SSG Maurice P. made Nov 23 at 2014 2:03 PM

SSG Maurice P. — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 14:03:27 -0500

Thanks PV2 wilcox i didnt know i'm out there bad on certain subjects...

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2014 4:26 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 16:26:32 -0500

We seem to agree that we should all observe the PAO tenent of reputation management 101: "don't say it or do it if you don't want to read about it on the front page news....or have your commander read it to you..." No problem there with common sense protocol each of you kindly relate. Admins likely need to remind folk now and then, and new RP recruits should be forewarned, especially that setting options to "hide" won't guarantee privacy of a conversation. Perhaps an issue now to discuss are realistic options, if any, to ensure greater privacy in this forum now and in future? I've not said anything I regret. However, I do regret not having full situational awareness that we are in a google forum. That's also a lick on me for not checking earlier, as I usually do.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 23 at 2014 8:23 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 20:23:23 -0500

In the modern age of computers, there is no way to ever guarantee that what gets posted online can be hidden from everyone. We can put our security measures in place and have the greatest spyware /malware/underware (lol) on the computers we use, etc., but we are individually accountable for what we post online, no matter what forum we enjoy using the most. That is exactly why they do not do online therapy, but only online crisis intervention.
I got married on 27 OCT. I had my security profiles set for the ultimate level in zombie prevention. But I threw it out there for all to see. This person shared it with this person and this person said "Congrats on the wedding SFC Mark Merino." Since that individual's security settings weren't set high (which is their right) My ex saw it and "Oh, joy!"
RallyPoint clearly states the following.........................

DO

1. Be professional, respectful and constructive

2. Post only things that can be seen by the public**************************

3. Include details in your questions and in your responses to others

4. Create posts that ask a question or spark discussion around a topic

DO NOT

1. Do NOT post anything that is marketing a service, a business, a personal event, or can otherwise be interpreted as promotional

2. Do NOT post about specific employment opportunities, for that can be more effectively done here: http://www.RallyPoint.com/employers

3. Do NOT post asking about finding members of an old unit or deployment. You should instead find them directly through our Advanced Search******************************

4. Do NOT post anything that is not of interest to the general RallyPoint community

Bottom line, I was not a happy camper. One of the guidelines (#3**********) was broken by posting a specific name in the title of the thread "Congrats SFC Mark Merino on the wedding" A google search showed it right away and the ex has been just as pleasant as usual. But it was MY fault for violating the guidelines (#2**************) So Uncle Mark learned a very powerful and painful lesson.

I felt violated because I allowed myself to become violated by posting it online. My lack of computer security skills is no excuse for breaking the golden online rule.......assume everything you put online will be seen by all. Live and Learn, Uncle Mark.

http://support.rallypoint.com/customer/portal/articles/1302926-rallypoint-answers-and-discussion-guidelines

Recruit and Hire the Best Military Talent | RallyPoint

RallyPoint is the #1 professional military network that connects organizations with the right military talent.

Response by SFC Vernon McNabb made Nov 23 at 2014 10:02 PM

SFC Vernon McNabb — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 22:02:35 -0500

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member In response to the original question, I would tell you, but I think someone is watching...

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Nov 24 at 2014 12:40 AM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 00:40:19 -0500

I for one am fully aware of these things, I personally keep my FB conversations low tone.
Example:
"Mid life crisis- What is it?"
or
"No toilet paper- good bye socks."

Or maybe perhaps posting a song

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JywK_5bT8z0

Thing is if my employer want to know something about me, FB will not be the place to know me, because I never use my real name in FB nor do I tend to post a picture of myself that long. But what are they going to learn is really not much, I already live my life and only share it in person not any website, but if anyone is really curious, on FB look up this name:
Laurence Pabon.

Sugar Sugar - The Archies

A song written for the cartoon strip "The Archies" The same year it was written for the show it became a number 1 hit.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Nov 24 at 2014 2:40 AM

SSG Robert Burns — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 02:40:27 -0500

Your posts will always be protected and safe as long as you do it properly. And by properly I mean by ensuring your posts always has a PT belt present. It is iron clad and "reflects" greatly upon you and your post.

Response by SPC Richard White made Nov 24 at 2014 4:24 AM

SPC Richard White — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 04:24:08 -0500

If you don't want the world knowing then don't post it

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2014 11:41 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 23:41:36 -0500

At first I thought it was a security flaw but then again I'm not in the programming driver seat so I can't comment. I did find all my conversations from Rally Point on Google. Using my alias, I logged into the internet to search for my self on facebook, not nearly as much as Rally Point.

Response by SGT Suraj Dave made Nov 26 at 2014 7:46 AM

SGT Suraj Dave — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 07:46:15 -0500

This is why I never participate in Obama-bashing thread's on RP. Even if I want to make a neutral comment, I don't want my name anywhere associated with that kind of discussion.... because one day I might try and get a DoD job.

No matter what your political view's are, keep your complaints about our military and civilian leader's off the internet. You dont know when those comment's could cost you a job, or keep you from getting a job.

Its really sad that and unethical in my opinion for an employer to not give you a job based on your political views, if it had nothing to do with the job.... but with technology it happens. Complaining about it wont do anything, all you can do is exercise self control.

Response by LTC Dr Richard Wasserman made Nov 26 at 2014 9:38 AM

LTC Dr Richard Wasserman — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 09:38:12 -0500

Good point. I try not to put anything on the net that I might regret later.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2014 10:24 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 10:24:48 -0500

Nothing is safe on cyberspace, only way to be safe is to never put anything on the internet, which I just broke that rule by replying to this post

Response by SSG John Erny made Nov 26 at 2014 6:06 PM

SSG John Erny — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 18:06:30 -0500

As an IT professional I can tell you that once some thing is on the net it is there for a very long time even if you do a simple google search for it. Any thing sent in plain text or not encrypted can be read by anyone with the right tools. That is why when you connect to your bank it connects over port 443. What does that mean, well notice the HTTPS:// instead of HTTP://. Look up and left you will notice that RP uses HTTPS:// so RP data is not transmitted in plain text. Now consider that your name is attached to it, so be careful of what you say.

A average level hacker could track you IP address to or near your home. What can you do to protect your self? You a proxy service to mask your true location. I use one.

Always use quality annti-virus and anti-malware products. This is the number one way for cyber criminals to attack you or and organization. The free stuff for the most part does not cut it. If you have access to AKO you can down load symantec for free!! That is the product I trust most. Malware bytes is another great product you can get a free trial. Scan your computer on a regular basis.

Consider running linux on any old computer you have setting around for goofing off on the interwebs. It is darn near impossible to get one infected.

If an E-mail looks funny delete it.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2014 5:47 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Nov 2014 05:47:13 -0500

I say bring it on. I had two instances of this with soldiers in my unit. A squad leader in my platoon saw a article his cousin in the Army posted. He started to read it and realized I was the author. I believe in everything I post and those who know me would expect me to post such topics.

I had another soldier in another company made a comment to me about posting something on that web site. This was a negative encounter. He told me that my article was stupid and why do you think you deserve to be saluted pretty much. I stopped him and asked if he read the whole article. He stated he did not. I told him before he makes any comments on an article it would benefit you to know what you are talking about. I expect little from a soldier like that. They lack the professionalism to develop a well thought opinion before they try to make an attempt to slander the author. I really don't have time for that. I will go on my way knowing that I will grow and develop as a leader and expect such comments from soldiers that are not well informed.

Response by Cpl Jerry Millar made Feb 10 at 2015 4:13 PM

Cpl Jerry Millar — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 16:13:52 -0500

Very valid points! Everything you post online (even in "private messages") has the potential to be view, shared, judged, ect.

I have noticed in the last few years, when a recruiter reaches out and engages me, on LinkedIn for example, that they also come up as a "follower" on other social sites shortly after. For this reason I have multiple profiles on social sites like FaceBook, Twitter, and Instagram; my main profile with my name and then another profile under pseudonym. This keeps my searchable profiles vanilla and PC and my pseudo-profiles reserved for my actual opinions and free speech. Whether I agree with having to go to these lengths is irrelevant, the fact is that these seem to be the new rules of the online world and I would rather play than sit out.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2015 9:13 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 09:13:27 -0400

See related discussion posted this morning about Warm War III and FBI Probe of internet incident in California...

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2015 9:14 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 09:14:00 -0400

If you don't own it, you cannot hope to control it.