>'Smart' Technology

'Smart' Technology: The ups, downs, and questions of privacy

The phrase “smart technology” is tossed around frequently these days – along with “smart phones,” “smart meters,” and so on. All “smart” means in this case is that the electronic device in question has extended abilities – and extended convenience. Usually it involves knowing or recording more about you in order to serve you better. Pretty smart, hey?

A smart phone, for example, is no longer just a phone. It has many of the capabilities of your personal computer, including e-mail, web access and software applications. It can hold documents and data that you may want to access on the go.

Smart meters are being installed in several municipalities across Canada, and more are set to follow suit. Sold as an energy conservation measure, smart meters can record a home's energy usage almost in real time – and transmit it to the utility company. Eventually, these meters will be able to record which appliances you use when.

In these cases, smart technology means that data about you is available in yet another place, in yet another database or on yet another server.

A smart phone is handy, but if it's lost or hacked, your privacy is at risk. Your smart meter collects information about you and your habits, which could be conceivably sold to private marketing companies – meaning your information would be in even more places than ever before. Some you may never know about! Read more on smart meter concerns.

Various smart cards, even new electronic passports (coming to Canada soon), include more personal information about you than their previous incarnations. In the wrong hands, your data is at risk.

Smart technology is not going to go away. In fact, in the search for convenience (and targeted marketing on the part of companies), your movements, preferences and data are going to become more and more valuable. It's important to be aware and on high alert at all times.

Read Data breach: how to protect yourself for tips on reducing the amount of personal information you release or allow to be “out there.”

There are ways to fight back – and keep your smart phone too.

Sign up for proactive identity monitoring. This service will scan the Internet for the improper use of your personal details (your identification, card information or bank account details). SpotMyID proactive identity monitoring is included with a paid Protection Power membership! 

A Protection Power membership includes $25,000 in identity theft protection

Threats to your data come from an increasing number of places. You can trust Protection Power to keep up with technology and trends – and keep you safe along the way.


GET STARTED