Balancing Privacy, Security, and Accountability with Kurt Long

02/14/24 • 50 min

In this episode, we navigate the ever evolving landscape of messaging app dynamics, examining the challenges and opportunities in striking the right balance between preserving user privacy, ensuring robust security measures, and maintaining accountability in an ever changing digital landscape.

Today’s guest is Kurt Long. Kurt is an entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in starting, growing, and building Information Security and Privacy businesses. Kurt is the Executive Director of The Long Family Force for Good Foundation which focuses on supporting not-for-profits dedicated to improving the mental health of families and children. Kurt is also the Co-Founder and CEO of BUNKR.

Show Notes:

[1:09] - Kurt shares his background and what he does through The Long Family Force for Good Foundation and BUNKR.
[5:01] - He found himself interested in technology and the idea of doing something bigger than himself with a team.
[9:26] - Currently, Kurt’s work is directed to messaging apps.
[13:22] - In the early days of messaging, there was an inherent trust. We didn’t think about the bad guys yet.
[15:57] - Communication platforms were never intended to secure communication.
[17:31] - Most communication apps now do begin with good intent. Kurt describes WhatsApp as an example until it was purchased by Facebook.
[19:50] - We want information and access, but we want safety, too.
[21:38] - We have to put trust in someone to strike a balance.
[23:41] - The Federal Trade Commission has announced apps that don’t support legal due process and implemented a fine for use of them.
[25:56] - Kurt shares a true story that is a great example of inside trade problems in messaging apps.
[28:28] - Using secret messaging apps or apps that feature disappearing messages are hard to track. You could be affiliated with someone doing something illegal.
[30:29] - Privacy and security do help us retain rights we have.
[32:35] - Messaging issues also impact the medical industry.
[34:07] - Some countries have legislation that ban secret messaging apps, but they aren’t really being enforced.
[36:25] - BUNKR has consumers and public usage in 32 countries worldwide and is popular with families.
[37:52] - When companies have more control over their app, there is less criminality involved.
[40:02] - This service is invitation based. You cannot receive random messages from anyone you do not invite.
[41:55] - “The entire planet deserves to conduct their affairs with dignity at bank level security.”
[44:29] - Kurt leans towards following United States laws and legal action, but also has a large legal team to help guide through unusual situations.

Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review.

Links and Resources:

Show Notes:

[1:09] - Kurt shares his background and what he does through The Long Family Force for Good Foundation and BUNKR.
[5:01] - He found himself interested in technology and the idea of doing something bigger than himself with a team.
[9:26] - Currently, Kurt’s work is directed to messaging apps.
[13:22] - In the early days of messaging, there was an inherent trust. We didn’t think about the bad guys yet.
[15:57] - Communication platforms were never intended to secure communication.
[17:31] - Most communication apps now do begin with good intent. Kurt describes WhatsApp as an example until it was purchased by Facebook.
[19:50] - We want information and access, but we want safety, too.
[21:38] - We have to put trust in someone to strike a balance.
[23:41] - The Federal Trade Commission has announced apps that don’t support legal due process and implemented a fine for use of them.
[25:56] - Kurt shares a true story that is a great example of inside trade problems in messaging apps.
[28:28] - Using secret messaging apps or apps that feature disappearing messages are hard to track. You could be affiliated with someone doing something illegal.
[30:29] - Privacy and security do help us retain rights we have.
[32:35] - Messaging issues also impact the medical industry.
[34:07] - Some countries have legislation that ban secret messaging apps, but they aren’t really being enforced.
[36:25] - BUNKR has consumers and public usage in 32 countries worldwide and is popular with families.
[37:52] - When companies have more control over their app, there is less criminality involved.
[40:02] - This service is invitation based. You cannot receive random messages from anyone you do not invite.
[41:55] - “The entire planet deserves to conduct their affairs with dignity at bank level security.”
[44:29] - Kurt leans towards following United States laws and legal action, but also has a large legal team to help guide through unusual situations.

Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review.

Links and Resources:

Previous Episode

5 Alerts to Prevent Identity Theft with Paige Hanson

The fundamentals of scams are the same. However the technology used is increasingly more clever. It is important to know how to spot identity theft and credit card fraud and where to report it if and when it happens. Today’s guest is Paige Hanson. Paige is an authority in consumer and digital safety with nearly 20 years of experience in identity management. As co-founder and Head of Communications and Partnerships at Secure Labs, Paige has dedicated her career to protecting consumers and businesses from identity theft and cyber threats. She is a certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist and holds a certificate in Identity Leadership from the University of Texas. Paige also serves as an advisory board member to R.O.S.E. (Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly).

Show Notes:

[1:16] - Paige shares her background and what she does in her current roles.
[3:02] - She worked with LifeLock in the early days of her career, but the experience led to her expertise in identity theft now.
[6:08] - Chris shares what happened to a friend and their experience with identity theft.
[7:40] - The Federal Trade Commission has an Identity Theft Affidavit.
[9:25] - If you pay a bill that was made by a fraudster, it will be considered that you made the charge. Paige explains what best practice is.
[12:06] - Always watch your credit card bills and take note of things that look unusual. Pay attention, even to the small charges.
[13:47] - Notifications from your credit card company are a must have.
[16:07] - Sometimes the notifications can seem annoying, but when something is out of the norm, these tools are critical.
[17:48] - When you get an email that includes a link to login to an account, even if you recognize the sender, don’t click it. Develop the habit of using your browser.
[20:22] - It can happen to anybody! Chris and Paige are security-minded, but it could happen to them as well.
[22:48] - Paige shares an experience of noticing charges that she did not make and how noticing it early, she could cancel the order.
[24:29] - Always use multi-factor authentication. Paige also recommends using an app in addition to what is included with your credit card company.
[26:37] - Check links and make sure they are correct.
[29:02] - At one time, Chris owned a business and shut it down because of the number of people making a fraudulent order.
[30:45] - Online shopping and online payments are so common and a credit card doesn’t even need to be present to make a purchase.
[32:35] - Paige explains how skimmers work and how they store card numbers.
[35:19] - The likelihood of this happening is slimmer than other scams, but there are low-inconvenience and low-cost preventative measures you can take.
[36:07] - The safest way to make in person payments is through mobile pay. If a location is breached, it doesn’t have your card info.
[37:18] - If you use mobile pay, it is crucial that you keep your operating system up to date.
[41:23] - When it comes to ATMs, it is best to go inside your bank’s branch and use the one inside. The worst ATMs to use are stand alone that are not attached to a bank.
[44:33] - Identity theft could be accomplished by fraudsters by just taking advantage of low hanging fruit.
[46:29] - Paige recommends using a credit card rather than a debit card.
[49:11] - When traveling, Chris has a specific card that limits the amount of loss in the event of an issue.
[52:47] - Using a service like PayPal helps with keeping things updated on accounts.
[54:33] - When we make a convenient choice, we need to consider all the parts of risk management.

Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review.

Links and Resources:

Next Episode

Virtual Kidnapping with Titania Jordan

In this episode, we shine a light on the sinister phenomenon of virtual kidnapping. From deceptive phone calls to the psychological manipulation tactics, join us as we delve into the dark world where fears are exploited for profit, leaving victims shaken and families torn apart.

Today’s guest is Titania Jordan. Titania is a nationally renowned tech, social media, and family expert who has appeared on programs such as the Today Show, Good Morning America, Fox News, CNN, and more. She is the author and founder of Parenting in a Tech World and serves as Chief Parent Officer of the online safety company Bark Technologies.

Show Notes:

[1:06] - Titania Jordan shares her background and what she does at Bark Technologies.
[3:04] - Virtual and cyber kidnapping are the same thing. Anything that involves kidnapping without actually moving a person’s physical location against their will.
[4:26] - Titania explains a recent event in which an exchange student was targeted.
[6:18] - Children and adults alike are targeted everyday, but Titania explains that older teenage boys are heavily targeted and impacted.
[9:20] - Another type of scam is actually targeting the family and loved ones of someone to require a ransom for a kidnapping that hasn’t happened.
[11:17] - Built-in location services are very helpful. Parental controls and alerts are also something important to have in place.
[13:53] - Be careful answering the phone from a number you don’t know.
[16:20] - Contact law enforcement immediately if this is something that happens to you.
[19:51] - It is never a bad idea to be prepared.
[22:17] - These events are opportunities to have really important conversations with your children.
[24:41] - Flip the script and ask your children to help you do a safety audit.
[27:52] - If it feels off, it probably is. Don’t hesitate to report it and talk about it.
[30:26] - Bark Technologies offers a lot of programs and even a family smartphone that can help keep kids safe.