NSA Web Site Places 'Cookies' on Computers

During my morning rounds, I discovered this "shock and awe" story by the Associated Press. It opens with "The National Security Agency's Internet site has been placing files on visitors' computers that can track their Web surfing activity despite strict federal rules banning most of them. " While accurate, it touches a nerve that is raw because of recent catch phrase reporting by the NYT.

More specifically, and the term that will mostly likely be "heard" and repeated by the masses is "The NSA has been placing files on visitors' computers." Well doesn't that sound much more ominous?

NSA Web Site Places 'Cookies' on Computers
Dec 29, 7:24 AM (ET)
By ANICK JESDANUN

NEW YORK (AP) - The National Security Agency's Internet site has been placing files on visitors' computers that can track their Web surfing activity despite strict federal rules banning most of them.

These files, known as "cookies," disappeared after a privacy activist complained and The Associated Press made inquiries this week, and agency officials acknowledged Wednesday they had made a mistake. Nonetheless, the issue raises questions about privacy at a spy agency already on the defensive amid reports of a secretive eavesdropping program in the United States.

"Considering the surveillance power the NSA has, cookies are not exactly a major concern," said Ari Schwartz, associate director at the Center for Democracy and Technology, a privacy advocacy group in Washington, D.C. "But it does show a general lack of understanding about privacy rules when they are not even following the government's very basic rules for Web privacy."

http://apnews.myway.com/.../D8EPTAU80.html

For me, this story raises a few issues;

1) Almost every single website places files on visitors' computers. The NSA is not special.

2) The media is typically irresponsible in their presentation of fact or even their purpose for selecting a story/headline.

3) People who are responsible for publishing information online, especially Federal Government Agencies need to put procedures in place that ensure 1) compliance with federal mandates and 2) effective and accurate communications.

But first: What the heck is a Cookie? It's a small text file that is sent from the website to your temporary internet file folder (cache) that helps the website remember information about you. That sounds terrible, but a cookie cannot hold any information that you don't offer it other than basic information like IP address, pages visited, type of browser and so forth. A cookie can hold things like passwords you enter AT THAT SITE ONLY, as well as any selected preferences. You can turn off cookies in your software however this will like effect your ability to browse many websites. In short, the small text files are typically harmless.

If you are concerned about these little files called cookies, I recommend that you read your help files in your browser of choice on the topic of security, privacy and cookies.

1) Almost every single website places files on visitors' computers. The NSA is not special. Even this website sets cookies to help you in your browsing experience. They are quite typical, and mostly harmless to the general user. The wording of the article, especially the opening line is "scary" and I think on purpose. Which leads to point #2

2) The media is typically irresponsible in their presentation of fact or even their purpose for selecting a story/headline. It's my opinion that topics, headlines and even the wording chose in reports are slanted in one way or another to accomplish an editorial opinion. It's truly sad because a fair and balanced reporting of the news is not very exciting, but would serve the American public the best. The fact the NSA broke "strict" guidelines is news, the way it is presented in this article borders on the fringe of irresponsibility because it feeds the fears and perpetuates the agenda to bash Bush.

3) People who are responsible for publishing information online, especially Federal Government Agencies need to put procedures in place that ensure 1) compliance with federal mandates and 2) effective and accurate communications. Now we're getting somewhere. I've seen so many sites that do not comply with government guidance and in my opinion, a new method of accountability is required. Having published government websites, I know how over complicated it can be and even with those checks and balances, there are still issues from identification of key personnel, to exposing critical (though not classified) information that should not be published.

Government websites are required by US law to be accessible to people with disabilities, it's section 508 of the rehabilitation act. ( http://www.section508.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Content&ID=3  ) Military website have more stringent requirements to prevent the publishing of sensitive/classified information. Unfortunately, the skills and talents to publish in compliance with section 508 are commonly not shared by those with the skills and talents ensure information security (infosec) requirements are met. Typically, the public affairs officer (PAO) has info to publish and it's sent to the webmaster, (page master) who in turn edits/formats the information to comply with section 508 as well as other web standards who then publishes it online. If the PAO or the webmaster are not familiar with the infosec requirements (recent changes) then the information is published and received by the general public including enemies of the United States.

I was trained by the Air Force in 1995 when I was serving as Superintendent of Public Affairs in HTML and the internet. Since that time, there have been a number of changes (including section 508). I think the Department of Defense as well as other government agencies mean well in their intent, there just seems to be a problem getting that guidance distributed and implemented. I hate to suggest that more checks and balances need to be in place because it does complicate and slow the timely release of good information, but to prevent "bad press", someone should look at the process and make a decision.

If it were me making the decision, it would be simple. All that is needed is an internal registry of .gov sites and a Public Affairs/Information Security component would monitor the sites for new information. If the sites are built in compliance with 508, html valid, a program can crawl the entire registry constantly to look for new or changed information and that would flag a page to be reviewed by the component. If a possible conflict of interest is discovered, the webmaster/publisher would be contacted and suggested changes made. It really is that simple. Requiring publishing points to jump through more loops, or trying to educated the tens of thousands of publishing points in new requirements is not the answer. A customer service oriented internal monitoring of gov sites is all that is needed. Well... in my opinion.

For corporate websites the issue is similar. Usually there are many departments putting information on the web and one wrong move can bring a high cost of bad press. The web publishing effort should be overseen by a staff level public affairs / marketing person who would monitor and ensure the company is being represented online as well as in other media (or better). Since I will assume that corporations have already established the common identity, their marketing plan and their communications policy are in place, ensuring that publishing points are in compliance with this guidance can be delegated to a good content editor in the PA/Marketing office. Again, in my opinion.

Politicians, public officers, local governments and those who serve them should all look closely at the the information that is being published online on their behalf. The person in charge should look at their online presence closely and say ask a few simple questions:

1) Does this resource represent me well? (Is it something I'm proud of?)

2) Is the resource compliant with local and federal requirements? (Find out.)

3) What methods are in place to ensure that all information published is done so...

      a) in my best interest

      b) in the best interest of those I represent

      c) in a manner that is beneficial to me and those I represent (editorially and accuracy)

      d) in a manner that is easily navigated and compliant with web standards

      e) page load speed, image quality, user interfaces and server security issues should be explored as well.

 

When I read the article the first time, I was disgusted with the presentation of the facts, but the fact remains that there is an issue that needs to be address as well as a lesson for the corporate, public service and small business person. The lesson is, take care in your online presence.

Party affiliation changes must be turned in

News Briefs: Party affiliation changes must be turned in Saturday

By the Daily News
Thursday, December 29, 2005 12:25 PM CST

Kentucky voters have until Saturday to send in postcards changing their party affiliation for the upcoming election.

County clerk's offices will be closed Friday but voter registration cards can be downloaded at http://www.warrencounty.state.ky.us or http://www.elect.ky.gov. Completed cards can be mailed to Warren County Clerk, Voter Registration, P.O. Box 478, Bowling Green, KY 42102-0478. All cards postmarked by Dec. 31 will be accepted.

- For more information call 843-5306. Final bids reportedly are due in February.

Internet Fosters Local Political Movements

This is just one of hundreds of stories about how the internet is being used by "the people" in the arena of politics. I'm posting this on my personal blog but it also has a business impact on SoKy.Net because I've recently been hired by a Kentucky State Representative. From a personal standpoint, I have to admit that I am dismayed at the low number of good websites for real people to get involved. From a business standpoint, I'm considering ways that my customer(s) exploit this deficit and make it work for them. I am also considering this from a political party standpoint.

(AP) Chart shows MoveOn.org membership since 1999 and money raised. (AP Graphic) Full Image

Internet Fosters Local Political Movements
Dec 24, 10:04 PM (ET)
By RON FOURNIER

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) - Frustrated by government and empowered by technology, Americans are filling needs and fighting causes through grass-roots organizations they built themselves - some sophisticated, others quaintly ad hoc. This is the era of people-driven politics.

From a homemaker-turned-kingmaker in Pittsburgh to dog owners in New York to a "gym rat" here in southwest Florida, people are using the Internet to do what politicians can't - or won't - do.

This is their story, but it's also an American story because ordinary folks are doing the extraordinary to find people with similar interests, organize them and create causes and connections.

"People are just beginning to realize how much power they have," said Chris Kofinis, a Democratic consultant who specializes in grass-roots organizing via the Internet.

Whole Article at MyWay.com

It's undeniable that the web is being used by real people to study, discuss and react to political news and events. Look at what Howard Dean accomplished in 2000 using the Internet as a springboard for his "grass roots" efforts as well as the myriad of other political candidates.

Having participated personally on some of the political forums and reading some blogs, my opinion is that they tend to be a little militant, extreme and over the top. People who are not as experienced in internet forums are quickly disgusted by the attacks and name calling that is typical of an un-moderated forum. The Bowling Green Daily News forum is a good example of how a few extremists can drown out the voice of the moderate and reasonable.

The fact remains that mainstream Americans are turning to the internet to get involved. They are surfing politicians websites, state & federal official websites, individuals blogs and soaking up as much information as they can. They are searching for, and finding places that offer the inside scoop on politicians and important issues.

To quote from the above article again:

"...we are craving community and meaning in our lives, people are using these technologies to find others with the same complaints and organize them," he said. "They don't have to just sit in a coffee shop and gripe about politics. They can change politics."

It's happening and people will continue to find places to get involved. Politics can be an explosively passionate topic and while this might make for some frustrating discussions online, it seems to be motivating people to action. They are starting in their newspapers, moving to the internet and then stepping from their homes and getting involved. Oh, and yes they are starting to open their wallets and making online contributions to individual candidates, local and national parties as well.

It would only make sense to me that a smart politician will leverage this culture and make it work for them. They will use this medium just as they would any other only in an appropriate way. Political leaders can use the web for top of mind awareness and to convey their views and agenda on a regular basis. They can get involved, (only the bravest and most confident would do this) on websites and discussions.

From a public relations standpoint, a politician should get involved but do so carefully. They should rely on their team to brief them on the available resources, allow them to help plan responses and counter-responses. They would do well to allow their PR team to be actively involved in any public participation just as they would any "branding" effort.

What the individual can do is start surfing and learning how these blogs and forums work. Bookmark a few favorites and read the sites regularly. See how people interact and notice how some people disrupt online discussions so when you do decide to post a reply, your not surprised. If you want to ad credibility identify yourself clearly, I give little credence to the person who hides behind a screen name to lob grenades into a discussion just to watch it blow up. That said, there is one key caveat; by identifying yourself, you will be opening yourself up to public ridicule, personal attacks and don't be fooled, your community will find out that you are posting online.

Privacy. Most people on the internet know that it's safe to keep your identity secret when online. For the most part, I do subscribe to this however, if you want to make a difference in your local community, at some point you're going to have to tell people who you are. I have shed the fear of being identified and publish my business and personal information online intentionally. If you decide to do this, be warned that it does get complicated. If you are employed by a public figure or you're a small business owner, your online activities can have a negative (or positive) effect on your income stream.

For me, it's not a matter of positive or negative effect on my revenue, nor is a matter of fear a a desire for fame. I've simply decided that if I'm going to publish my opinions, I'm going to do so in the open and allow my own integrity to determine the result. This has not always been effective for a positive outcome but I've decided it's worth the risk. My business partners make comments from time to time that they are concerned, but I assure them that I do my best to express myself in a manner that will not bring harm to our business. I also remind them that I'm not perfect and am likely to make mistakes.

This is getting long and a bit convoluted but the point of all this is that the internet will continue to grow as a source for information and method for people to become active. People should go in knowing the pitfalls as well as the potential rewards. I've met some wonderful people online, learned things that I would never have known and when it's all said and done, my activity on the internet does make me feel a little more involved in my local community.

I'll continue to post here at http://blog.davidfrancis.org and I thank you for reading. In 2006, I will be adding some new features that will allow you to create a private (or public) profile and gain access to a more candid and interactive format. I will also be adding a newsletter this year which will allow you to receive my opinions in your email box "periodically."

160,000 American troops

U.S. Air Force Ltc. Jim Barlow, of Counce, Tennessee, wears a Santa Claus hat while piloting in Iraq, Sunday. Approximately 160,000 American troops spent Christmas in Iraq this year. (AP/Jacob Silberberg)

Merry Christmas to one and all!!!

This is my personal blog so I can say Merry Christmas right? Well, I am a Christian and I do believe in Jesus Christ, so yeah, I can say Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas!!!

I usually don't get into religion here. As the webmaster for 25 million church women and a large denominational church, I tend to shy away from the subject of religion because of 'complications'. But Christmas is different to me. It's special to me. It is a time of memory, tradition, thanksgiving, reflection, and deep spiritual significance.

I tend to contemplate the year that has past and remember the years that came before. This is my 40th Christmas and it is likely my best one. Oh, my eldest son is in Porto Rico on duty in the Kentucky Air National Guard, and I've already given my wife her present, but somehow it is a special Christmas.

Interesting story. My eldest, David III called me today from Porto Rica and said, (exact quote) "Dad, you raised me right." He had no idea what those words meant to me. I am confident that I did my best both in intent and in results but here it is Christmas eve and my son calls me on the phone and says those words. WOW! I've always felt my life's purpose was to raise my sons and even had a conversation to this effect with Carrie recently, and then I get this phone call from my son.

Yes, a profound moment in my heart.

This Christmas will be somewhat different. I'm not going to midnight mass like usual; my eldest son is away; my youngest is preoccupied with his girlfriend and I have not attended a church all year. Yet somehow, deep in the depths of my heart, it's a special Christmas. The hardships of the year, the trials and I mean severe trials of the year, the events and outcomes of the year and the results are all good. I mean I've learned; grown; shared; made new friends. All in all it was a great year.

I'm convinced, in business anyway, 2005 was a springboard year. By this time next year I will know for sure but I'm convinced that 2005 will be viewed as an intersection that was well navigated and will result in a very prosperous future. I've a few concerns and my heart tells me there will be some challenges and some major changes, but all in all it will be a life changing year for the good.

For example, even this morning I was considering ways to prepare my house for sale. I was standing in the guest bathroom and notices a crack in the wall and started thinking of all the things I need to fix before offering my house for sale. I've dreamed of a very large house with just a few rooms for years and my heart tells me it is about to come to pass. I could be wrong, but I hope not. I've struggled for so many years I almost feel I'm due.

So here we go... "onward" as a friend would say. I will step forth in faith that the lessons and experiences of 2005 were all to cap off the first 40 years of my life, kind of preparation for the next 40 years. I mentioned to Carrie this week that I feel every single event in my life from birth has prepared me for the next two generations. From dealing with difficult situations and people to by business experiences and knowledge in marketing, technology and sales, I believe it is all leadning up to something great and this greatness will begin in '06.

So here's to great success to us all in the coming year and the cherished emotions and memories of the year(s) that came before. May each of you who read, (and apparently there are quite a few) have a most wonderful holiday. I say Merry Christmas, but no matter your religion or lack thereof, I sincerely hope for you a wonderful holiday season.

Cheers,
David Francis

We're back from the Riu Palace Mexico

Carrie and I enjoyed a wonderful trip to Playa Del Carmen in the Mayan Rivera. It's located on the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico on the Caribbean sea side.

We stayed at an all inclusive resort called the Riu Palace Mexico. Riu is an international corporation with resorts all over the world. They specialize in all inclusive and they are very good at what they do. We choose the Palace Mexico because this was a working vacation and I wanted to be treated as though we were royalty. While the resort and service was wonderful, I have to admit it did fall short of my high expectation. Carrie says we are getting spoiled and she is likely correct because our last trip to the region we stayed at a Palace resort called La Blanc, which is the best of the best... we even had a butler.

Anyway, I thought I better update my blog before I disappoint you to the point you stop reading. I have truly enjoyed blogging this year and hope to double and redouble my efforts. Many of you will be happy to know that I also have plans on hiring a promotional editorial team to help me clean up my writing. The team is actually for the growth of SOKY.NET and all the new high profile customers we are enjoying, but since I'm paying the bills, I will also have my blog entries edited. Lucky you eh?

2006 is poised to be a great year for me personally. My youngest son graduates high school, my web business is experiencing unprecedented growth and my interest in small business, advertising, marketing and public affairs seems to be shaping into a full fledged business opportunity. I'm also toying with the idea of opening a retail clothing store in Bowling Green as well. WHEW~~ gonna be a busy year.

If any of you know of people who might be interested in joining the SOKY team, please ask them to contact me. I'm currently exploring freelance contracts with local people to start the team building process. Visit www.SOKY.net for more information concerning these positions.

This is terrible

Brothers Killed Five Miles Away In Separate Accidents

Brothers Killed

Updated: 10:58 AM Dec 8, 2005

Ashley Davidson

It's a parents worst nightmare.

Warren County Coroner, Dewayne Lawrence, says: "You can't even imagine the hurt. To be saying goodbye to one child, but having to say goodbye to two."

That nightmare came true when both of Warren County Deputy Andy McDowell's sons died in car accidents early Wednesday morning.

Warren County Sheriff's Deputy, Freddie Brown, says: "Andy's children were his pride and joy. We've gone fishing together. He loved them very much. And it's almost like everything was just taken away in one act."

The first accident happened on Plum Springs Road around 1:25 a.m., when 23-year-old Rory exited the shoulder of the road skidded across the road and hit a tree. Twenty minutes later, just five miles away, his younger brother, Cory, died when his car hit this tree and caught on fire on Mt. Olivet Road.

Now friends of the family say they will do their best to help them through this agonizing loss.

Brown says: "His pain is our pain and his loss is our loss."

Lawrence says: "I don't think any of us have any idea of what this family is going through."

A fund has been established to help the family with funeral expenses.
You can contribute to the Rory and Cory McDowell fund at both branches of the Bank of Edmonson County.

It is a sad day

It is a sad day. December 7th is the day the attack on Pearl Harbor took place in 1941. What makes it sad for me is the fact so little was said. I'm all over the internet and it seemed few people remember this day, the lives lost, the sailors who suffered and the day the United States of America was sucked into a world war.

May we never forget the souls who were on duty and suffered and died simply because they were defenders of our country. Let us NOT forget the souls that were torn apart by the bombs and shrapnel or the sailors who suffered in the water in their capsized ships as the water rose and stole their last breath.

Don't forget America... it's important.

Ornaments on my tree

A member of one of the forums I participate in posted a link to an article at CapMag.com. I think the article was written intentionally to be controversial but that matters little in this entry. Reading the article inspired a response that I would like to share with you.

Christmas Should be More Commercial
by Leonard Peikoff (December 2, 2005)

Summary: It is time to take the Christ out of Christmas, and turn the holiday into a guiltlessly egoistic, pro-reason, this-worldly, commercial celebration.

[www.CapMag.com] Christmas in America is an exuberant display of human ingenuity, capitalist productivity, and the enjoyment of life. Yet all of these are castigated as "materialistic"; the real meaning of the holiday, we are told, is assorted Nativity tales and altruist injunctions (e.g., love thy neighbor) that no one takes seriously.[/quote]

Eh... I don't agree. If anything, Christ should be mandatory to get the sale prices, ribbons and bows. :) (That and they must be wearing seatbelts. {Blognote: that was a reference to an earlier discussion about seatbelts.}) Okay, that may be a bit much. :) :)

I can't speak for anyone but myself but Christmas is a significant time of year for me. I find myself alone in church sanctuaries, at parties and/or just standing in the mall watching and admiring people of all shapes, colors, ages and sizes. It's a wonderful time of year for me personally, at least at the times I am willing to slow down for a moment and consider the reason for the season and truly absorb the love expressed by others to one another. (Yes, ignoring the frustration of the parking lot.)

Yes, I've debated the origins of Christmas, discussed Santa Clause and argued that gifts are important but that accomplished little. What works for me is the collection of moments that I hold and cherish to reflect and remember Christmases of the past. Good fond memories of family and loved ones. To cherish the moments that I can recall of years gone by. And then selfishly, find new moments, create new moments, remember new moments for future reference.

I am a Christian, so Christ is an important part of my Christmas, but I do enjoy the Christmas time fellowship with my non-Christian friends as well. It's not important to me what religion my friends are, or what they think of Christmas, what's important to me is they are my friends, my family and my loved ones. I thank God for each and every one of them (by name if possible), and thank God for the gift of Christ as well because it's important to me. These are the gifts I treasure and the memories are the ornaments on my tree.

May we all collect hundreds of new and precious ornaments this Christmas.