Could You be Defined as a Computer Criminal?

Why would President Obama want to broaden and blur the distinction of computer crime to the point that most Americans could be guilty? Under the proposal for new legislature, acts such as password sharing, account sharing, or any use of a computer that the owner doesn’t approve (IE using a work computer for personal interests) could be punishable by law. Furthermore, online analysis about potential security leaks have computer security researchers afraid that under the new laws their work (analyzing databases for weakness) could be considered criminal, resulting in less secure computers. By definition of the legislation, even media reporting or internet discussion about the topic could become federal crimes. Threats to personal freedom, personal security, and freedom of communications only scratch the surface. “It’s a danger to our freedom,” Kimberly commented to Truth Hack in regards to the proposals. “They’re (lawmakers) taking part of our freedom from us but at the same time it’s controversial.” “I don’t think all of these things should be considered a crime.” Gretel said. “I think these are personal risks that we take.” Exhibited by Obama in his State of the Union address on January 20th, the changes to the 1984 Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) would greatly expand the definition of computer crime and stiffen the penalties for existing crimes, including doubling the maximum penalty for many violations from 10 years to 20 years. In an attempt to lower the rates of organized cyber crime, the proposal would also subject computer fraud to the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act of 1970 meaning that if the law passed to even associate online or hang out in a chat room where “computer crimes” are being discussed could make someone a member of a criminal enterprise. One of the sections of the proposals addresses “spying devices” but the legal language never specifies what type of intercepting device could be punishable by law making previously legal devices (IE Wifi seeker Firesheep or blue boxes for long distance phone calls) now criminal. With the occurrence of major security breaches over the past year it is understandable that new protective measures are being brought into consideration. It is possible that all angles of this proposal had not been fully considered by the government at the time of release. But at the same time it is frustrating to face yet another round of legislation that further chips away at the already crumbling value of personal freedom and privacy. “The government is becoming more like (what was experienced) in the Dark Ages.” Jackie commented to Truth Hack. “Its more oppressive and controlling like when church was not separated from state.” Many things have changed since our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence. Technology has given way to hoards of new crimes and dangers to society and our government can hardly be defined as “for the people, by the people” when the majority of citizens hardly pay attention to politics these days. It seems that our government is constantly finding new ways to meddle into privacy because they are afraid that less knowledge means less control and less control over the population means less power. So they take away our privacy in the name of safety so that they can have their knowledge and control to ensure government power. But does more government power really mean more safety? We already know that all are being monitored to great extents. Phone lines, internet use, every single electronic purchase or deposit is known and accessible record. Already compromised privacy aside, it is clear that our lawmakers are still not satisfied. This proposal sets the stage for less discussion and more submission- a clear violation of a democratic society. Despite the fact that law makers may like to be all knowing, omniscient like God, our leaders are only human like us. They will pry and pull for more knowledge, but if the balance of power is ever tipped too far in the wrong direction the result will be catastrophic. Even so, don’t let the oppression of our changing society pull you down- remember that there is One who sees and knows everything. God is so much greater than the menial struggles between humans, just remember that only He is all knowing and all powerful. This is the truth that leads us to be free.

Post Holiday Season Blues

According to statistics only 8% of people actually keep their New Years resolution. In spite of this, the majority of people continue to enter the New Years with a NEW New Resolution in place. The question is, what do we really mean it when we set these soon to be broken resolutions? Is it a disillusioned intention? Is it a mere proclamation of our own self-dissatisfaction? Or has it just become another annual celebration with relatively no meaning or expected consequence? It's 2015 and most of us have just barely torn down the garland and rolled the Christmas tree outside. This is the time of year when there are still turkey leftovers in the freezer, and maybe a few not-yet-broken Christmas presents laying around, and one cant help but wonder- was all of this just some measure of traditional over hype? Truth Hack approached the general public for their opinion on the subject and here's what some of them had to say: "I think that in a way people take it(the Holiday Season) a little too far, but it's nice to be around the family." Alex commented. "It's almost like you're being forced. The holidays have become something of an obligation and you're expected to spend a lot of money." D* said. So that brings us to the big question: What exactly is it that people are looking for during the holidays? "I think alot of people are looking for change." Daniel said. "I'm pretty sure that everyone wants to change, but at the same time they never really go through with it. People want to see themselves as a better person." Liz added. The sad thing about the Holidays is that parallel to the emotional highs of the season there is ultimately an emotional downfall that is likewise experienced. Many people can relate to experiencing some of the most excruciating sadness amidst what should be the happiest time of the year. Suicide and depression rates rocket upwards as the holiday season reaches it's ultimate high- then the new year comes, and January is a month of broken vows, empty bank accounts and crushed hopes. Sound familiar? You're in good company. These are known as the post holiday season blues. Soon everyone will settle back into their previous monotony for the next ten months before embarking on the schedule all over again. In one of his most popular quotes Albert Einstein said "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." With all due respect to Einstein, according to this definition we are all slightly insane. Or as Liz so candidly put it there's more to the cycle of try, try again. In regards to repetitious trends, Liz said: "People hold on to that hope that they'll actually succeed and make a change." There are many people who have reached for greater things in life, who have hoped for things that the world would call insane, but ultimately succeeded. Sometimes the redundancy of life is due to the fact that we are only doing what we know to do. Hence the roller coaster cycle of life. We live for the hope of a better tomorrow. We go through highs and expectations followed by lows. But even when hopes are derailed, the majority of people are game to get up and try, try again. If this is insanity then life is quite crazy. Proverbs 14:12 says: Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. Of course the problem with unmet expectations is that they make us heartsick. Many people feel report feeling a constant need for improvement, a constant longing for things that they can never quite obtain or even fully recognize. Even for the people at the pinnacle of society this is a common complaint. How can one be rich with power, prestige and adoring loved ones but still feel empty? The tree of life is found in placing your hopes beyond this mortal life. Of course one day all of our lives will fade away along with every carefully stored penny and article that we have collected along the way. Our physical being is a mere shell of what we really are. Place your hope and trust in Jesus and find that even though you're still riding the roller coaster of life, there's nothing here to fear but separation from Jesus. The ache of unfulfilled hopes will fade, and the pitfalls of life will not sting so much because you'll understand how much greater you are than this moment. Hope is not meant to be left unfulfilled. Never mind the silly New Years resolutions. Make a lifetime resolution to know the one who made you and you'll never experience the Seasonal Blues again. Thank you for all who participated in this week's story. *D is one of the three brothers who we interviewed as a group. Unfortunately we could not catch your name accurately on the recording. If you would like it corrected send us an email. Thanks again!