Robbery questions put Kardashians on hold

Ever since Kim Kardashian announced a jewelry robbery that, according to her and husband Kanye West, led to a thief stealing away with tens of millions worth of jewelry, all eyes have been on the Kardashian clan … and not in the usual leering, appreciative way. The blogosphere almost immediately accused Kanye and Kim of making it all up. Of staging the robbery to steal headlines. Others said the story was an elaborate hoax to promote the next season of Keeping up With the Kardashians… well, if that’s the case, the mission backfired.

Trump catching heat for foundation allegations

Charitable foundations are supposed to be repositories of positive PR. They allow you to do some good while generating positive stories connected with your name or brand. But, after this year’s presidential election cycle, the “charitable foundation” just won’t have the same ring to it. Both major party candidates are facing questions related to their foundations.

Media companies suing FBI over iPhone hack

The Federal Bureau of Investigation tried to get tough on Apple last year after the San Bernardino terrorist attacks. The Feds wanted to hack into one of the terrorist’s smartphones using a technique that, Apple said, could render all iPhones – and by extension all iPhone users – vulnerable to hacking.

The FBI pushed. Apple stood firm. Now the Associated Press has joined forces with two other news agencies – Gannett Co, which owns USA Today, and Vice Media LLC – to sue the FBI to get records pertaining to the Feds contract with an as yet named vendor who gave investigators a tool to unlock the phone.

The FBI alleged the deal with the undisclosed hacker allowed them to drop threats against Apple rather than the groundswell of public support for the tech company. But the Associated Press is having none of that. In the lawsuit, the complainant says:

“Understanding the amount that the FBI deemed appropriate to spend on the tool, as well as the identity and reputation of the vendor it did business with, is essential for the public to provide effective oversight of government functions and help guard against potential improprieties…”

In other words, who is the government paying to break into privately owned phones, how much and how often. While these questions are not likely to be answered by this suit, the fact that the suit is happening goes a long way toward getting some of these answers, because someone had to take the lead … and few groups have the same sway as the combined power of the AP, Gannett, and VICE.

The suit cites the Freedom of Information Act, claiming the information should be accessible and that the U.S. public deserves to know what the FBI is doing with tax dollars, especially if it poses a security risk to American citizens. All previous requests for the information have been ignored or rebuffed. The FBI says releasing the information could hinder “enforcement proceedings.”

While legal decisions will likely play a decisive role in the proceedings, public pressure could very well assist in the press company’s efforts to receive the information. How much and how often, as well as what the narrative will be will be up to the editors at these various media agencies.

David Firester specializes in intelligence analysis and is founder of TRAC Intelligence.

iPhone spyware creates security concern

A recent Associated Press report reveals just how easy it can be for some spyware to latch onto your iPhone. Here’s a bit of the report:

Twitter slams the door on thousands of “terrorist” accounts

Tired of being blamed for “helping” the spread of terrorism, Twitter recently announced it was suspending 235,000 accounts for “promoting terrorism” in the past six months. This brings the total of suspended accounts up to 360,000 since mid-2015.

Dole salad blamed for death

It’s been a bad couple of years for bagged salads. Seems like every few months another story hits the news of someone poisoned by eating tainted greens. This time, according to a wrongful death lawsuit, an Ohio woman died because she ate salad processed at a Dole plant that had previously been linked to an outbreak of listeria.

How to Ensure your Safety When Traveling Abroad

Traveling abroad is one of the greatest adventures of the modern era. Sure, you can see the world from your computer screen - but you can't experience it until you get out there and see it for yourself. Unfortunately, everyone has heard horror stories about what can happen to you when you're travelling abroad. While traveling can be a dangerous process, you can mitigate that danger by being smart and being informed. Below are just a few tips that can help you ensure your safety while you are traveling abroad.

Do Your Research

Before you travel, try to get some information about the places to which you are going. The easiest marks for thieves are always locals who don't know the common scams, so do a little bit of reserach before you get on the plane. Look up common scams in your area of choice and try to avoid looking like an easy target. If you do your research, you will be able to avoid those individuals who want to prey on your naivete.

Get Local Advice

Thanks to the internet, you can get information from locals in the area to which you are traveling today. Go online to forums centered around your destination of choice and ask questions. Locals know the spots to avoid, how to make sure that you don't fall for common scams and who to talk to if yo udo find yourself in real trouble. Spend some time talking to the real people of the country you are visiting so you can find out exactly what goes on in their world.

Stay in Contact

Someone should always know where you are at all times. If you are travelling with a group, make sure that someone always has a cell phone. If you are travelling alone, check in with your hotel or resort and let them know that you plan on returning that evening. Make sure you have a contact stateside who can check on you any time you are going out - you never know how much a simple phone call can help.

Use Common Sense

Finally, use common sense! If an activity would be dangerous at home, it is dangerous abroad. Don't trust strangers, don't waive your money around and always make sure that you stick to populated areas. One of the biggest dangers to tourists is the temporary stupidity that comes along with vacations, so make sure you avoid it as best you can!

David Firester is founder of TRAC Intelligence, a intelligence analysis firm.