Get Smart in 2017

Some people resent being told that they should change their usernames and passwords on a regular basis.

Yes, it can be inconvenient, and a mind-numbing experience trying to come up with a new username and password (which includes numbers, and character symbols, that one can actually remember) but ignoring the inevitable is not only foolish it's downright reckless.

In fact, changing usernames and passwords for all personal and business accounts every few months is essential in today's world.


If you still have any doubts, ask someone who has had a bank account cleaned out by fraudsters. They'll be happy to tell you how long it took for them to get their money back.

Worse, for those small business owners who have had funds stolen from their checking accounts, in many cases, they will never see their money again due to loopholes in some states banking laws.

Get smart in 2017, and change your usernames and passwords on a regular basis.    

The Misguided Use of the 'P' Word

If there is one word used by business entities and organizations today which typifies's their commitment to deflecting questions from consumers relating to privacy and data security, it's the use of the word 'proprietary.'

It has to be said that it's an artful word used for getting rid of annoying consumers, journalists, and privacy advocates in emails, and other written communications because it sounds formal, and suggests to the recipient that potential legal consequences exist for those who continue to be inquisitive and seek answers to their questions.

But in reality, it is just an overused word, commonly deployed as a deflector by officials who don't care, don't understand or worse know that their employer has something to hide from the public!

When it comes to consumer privacy and data security, there are no legitimate 'proprietary' techniques for collecting, collating and disseminating consumer's personally identifiable information without their knowledge and consent.  And this includes sharing their name, address and phone number with third parties.  

Below are two definitions of the word 'proprietary' shown on the  Merriam-Webster Dictionary website:

1:  One that possesses, owns or holds an exclusive right to something;  specifically.  

2:  Something that is used produced, or marketed under exclusive legal right of the inventor or maker; specifically:  a drug (as a patent medicine) that is protected by secrecy, patent, or copyright against free competition as to name, product, composition, or process of manufacture.

The fact is when you provide a bank, supermarket or hospital with your personally identifiable information; you are not giving them the right to own and use your personal data as they see fit forever. You are merely entrusting them with your information in order for them to identify you and better serve you as a customer or patient in the future.

It's that simple.