Tech Alternatives

First, a caveat: everything you do online can be tracked and traced back to you, even when you use seemingly "secure" sites and services.  Now that that's out of the way, with the way big tech, mainstream media, and social media is leading our society off a cliff, it's time for us to look into alternative sites and services to use online.  When Titter can choose to de-platform a sitting president (President Trump) and an internationally lauded vaccine researcher (Dr Malone), you know there is something wrong with "the system".  Here are alternative sites and services to consider:

• Instead of Facebook check out Gab, MeWe, or Minds
• Instead of Twitter check out Gettr, Parler, or Mastodon
• Instead of Facebook Messenger check out Telegram, Signal, or Viber
• Instead of YouTube check out Odysee, Rumble, or Lbry
• For up-to-date tech info check out Rob Braxman, Sumsub, or Techlore
• You may also want to consider a de-Googled phone, a secure web browser, a secure search engine, a secure email service, and a VPN.
  

What's In Your Tech EDC Bag?

Although most of us haven't been schlepping our tech gear very far over the past several months, people are getting tired of working from home and opting for a few hour's respite at coffee shops or parks or other locations for a change of scenery, which means it may be time to revamp the tech EDC bag.

Here are items you might want to consider having in your tech EDC bag (depending on your needs, you may carry a few, several, or all of these items):

1. Messenger bag/daypack and assorted pouches to organize gear (I use a daypack)
2. Laptop (my preference is the Dell XPS 13" i7 laptop)
3. Tablet or e-reader (I use a Tab S6)
4. Cell phone (I use an S 20 Ultra)
5. Switch/gaming system (I don't game but I think every grandkid carries one of these Switch systems with them at all times)
6. USB fast wall charger/cables (I use a fast charging brick that can charge all of my devices at the same time)
7. 10k-20k battery bank (depending on your needs, bigger may be better)
8. Camera/lenses (if you are a photographer or vlogger; I just use the camera on my cell phone)
9. Drone/GoPro/batteries (if this is your hobby)
10. Wireless bluetooth mouse (this can work with my cell, tablet, and laptop)
11. Wireless earbuds (my go-to for listening to music/podcasts/YouTube/etc)
12. Wired ear buds (used in an emergency when my wireless earbuds/headphones are out of battery)
13. USB-C headphone adaptor cord (goes with the wired earbuds since my phone and tablet don't have headphone jacks)
14. Wireless noise canceling headphones (the best option for listening to music or podcasts and block out outside noise)
15. Spare batteries (for mouse, camera, etc)
16. Solar charger/power bank (if you will be far from power something like this is a good option)
17. Spare USB flash drives (I keep a few USB-A/USB-C flash drives on hand for moving or sharing files)
18. Spare memory cards (ditto)
19. Micro SD to type C card reader (one of these will allow you to pop the memory card from your dashcam to transfer the files to your cell phone/tablet/laptop)
20. Type C to type A adaptor tip (if you have older electronics to charge this tip works on your type c cords)
21. Power strip (for when you need to plug in more than one charger at a time)
22. Tripod/selfie stick (for taking photos or videos)
23. Gimbal (for taking steady videos)
24. External hard drive (if you are saving or moving large files or just want a secure external backup for your files, one of these works great)
25. External speaker (if you often share your music with others this type of speaker is a good idea)
26. Watch or smart watch (either one or the other is a must-have for many)
27. AM/FM radio (good idea when the radio apps on your phone don't work)
28. HAM radio (an alternative way to communicate if you are licensed to do so)
29. Folding bluetooth keyboard (can be used with your cell phone and tablet)
30. Wireless microphone (for vlogging)
31. Hackerware (if you are a hacker you will have many additional items to add to your tech  EDC bag)
32. Faraday bag (to isolate your electronics from hackers, EMP, tracking, etc)
33. Hero clip (a very useful carabiner)
34. Burner phone/prepaid phone plan (always nice to have one of these which isn't linked to your name)
35. Small flashlight or headlamp (for looking behind furniture for an outlet, etc)
36. Scanner/printer (if you regularly scan or print documents, receipts, etc; these come in very small sizes)
37. Notebook (for making notes, etc)
38. Fisher Space Pen (ditto)
39. $100 in back of cell phone case (cash in case of an emergency)
40. Cell number/cell phone plan (get the best plan for your needs)
41. VPN (for relatively secure access to the internet)
42. Apps and software (download the apps and software you usually use)
43. Domain name/website (optional but a good idea if you are a professional)
44. MiFi/service plan (if you want a hotspot that won't drain your cell battery, this is a good option)
45. Leatherman Wave (a useful tool for everyday use)
46. Email addresses (several for various purposes; personal email business email, spam, etc)
47. Social media accounts (set up as needed)
48. Tile tracker (to track your expensive electronics in case they get jacked)
49. RFID blocking wallet (to secure your ID and credit cards from hackers)
50. Multi charging cables (I carry something like this mostly to loan to others when needed)

Which Online Services Can You Trust? Probably None of Them

Confidence in news and information sources has always been problematic.  It's anyone's guess if your local newspaper, TV news station, government, website, etc. is telling you information that is strictly accurate or information that is biased depending on the overall long game the source is willing to play.  If you think the online services you use on a daily basis are ethical/unbiased/accurate, guess again...

• You would think Google maps would be accurate, but as this guy has proven, they can be purposely spoofed.
• If you think your Uber app is always ready to summon you a ride, think again; your account can be randomly suspended at the whim of Uber.
• It only makes sense that your doctor would have your best interest at heart but, again, those behind the tech that doctors use have been pushing opiods whether people needed them or not.
• Amazon has been shown to be less than careful with the massive amount of data they have on you (examples here, here, and here).
• And Twitter is an utter shit show--just this week it decided to give an active account to other people, and banned Zero Hedge all together.
• YouTube is "policing" political videos...that should end well s/
• Ancestry's DNA database is involved in a tug-of-war with the legal system.
• And even Stephen King jumped into the fray and deleted his Facebook account.
• Reddit has gone from the tech-focused home of information sharing to banning people because they share factual information and opinions.
• And finally, there is the topic of controlling the sharing of information via to paywalls.

So the tldr of this post is that NO ONE has your best interest at heart (hopefully your spouse, family, and friends do but even that is iffy judging by this sub).  You must always do your own due diligence with independent research based on a variety of source--not the echo chamber that most social media has become--along with a healthy dose of sound judgement, logical evaluation, and a good bit of skepticism in order to determine what is true and factual and trustworthy versus what some random source wants you to believe.

5 Lessons From the Target Tech Outage

Apparently if you were shopping at Target yesterday, you got to experience what a tech outage looks like.  The news began reporting a "chaotic nationwide tech outage" at Target stores in the early afternoon.  There was much discussion about said outage on social media.  Eventually the situation was resolved and all became well again.  What can we learn from this?

1. Bring cash.  People can demand that the cashiers take the credit cards all they want but when all of the technology that goes into taking credit cards goes down, there is literally nothing cashiers can do to take credit cards.
2. Keep your cool.  Getting huffy and screaming at cashiers/management won't make the tech failure suddenly fix itself.  People who throw tantrums in public places look like fools. 
3. With adequate stockpiling of necessary items and storage of said items, there should be no reason you ABSOLUTELY have to have anything at Target this very minute.  In the case of buying needed medications at their pharmacy when the system goes down, research ahead of time to find out what other pharmacies in your community you could use as a back-up and secondary back-up.
4. Is it me or is it everyone?  There are generally a couple simple ways to determine what is happening with any given situation.  Hop online and check social media (this is usually where first reports of such incidents occur) then Google (name of store) and (situation).  With a bit of extra information you can determine your next course of action (leave the store and come back later, wait for a while in the store, and even ask for coupons as were handed out at Target for $5 and $10 off future visits).
5. Imagine what would happen if not only this one Target-specific tech outage hit every store nationwide but if all of the technology systems went down nationwide.  Electricity, stopped working.  Water systems, stopped working.  Walmart, stopped working.  Grocery stores, stopped working. Et al.  Then you would have a problem (but hopefully not as big a problem as the rest of the masses since you have been preparing and practicing and planning for such an incident for ages).

20 Things About Tech

A bunch of random musings about technology from yours truly...

1. If you use any sort of technology at all, you have NO privacy (you can take steps to secure your privacy on tech devices but there is no such thing as 100% privacy where technology is concerned).
2. I am NOT an Apple fan.  Every few years I will buy an Apple product and experiment with it but in every case the item is returned (Android devices, IMHO are infinitely better).
3. If you can get your software through a non-profit (via TechSoup) you will save A LOT of money.
4. Always carry spare thumb drives and memory cards (generally micro SD cards).
5. YouTube is a goldmine of tech info from reviews to tech EDC videos to news on all of the newest tech on the market.
6. Limit your tech when traveling internationally (and leave all of your sensitive documents and files at home...you never know when border security will hijack your stuff which is legal for them to do).
7. Speaking of international travel, leave your drones, HAM radios, and even your RTL-SDR dongles at home...this sort of stuff looks like spying equipment to many foreign governments.
8.  Advanced cell phones are great (Galaxy 9 and 10 stuff is amazing) but always buy these things at a discount (paying full price is ridiculous for technology).
9. The leading edge advanced tech devices (like the new $2000 Galaxy Fold) is stuff you want to steer clear of until #1 the bugs are worked out, and #2 the price drops significantly.
10. Power banks are a Godsend.  Always carry a spare and put one in your EDC and BOB bags too.
11. It's popular to store your documents/photos/videos/etc in the cloud now.  I don't find these services very secure, YMMV.
12. I keep a few digital back ups of my important documents, encrypted on thumb drives and memory cards, and hidden away in various locations.
13. There are no digital assistant devices in my home, IMHO it is like welcoming a spy network open access to your home and everything/everyone in it.
14. I am a huge fan of Dell XPS laptops, Samsung (high end) tablets, and Galaxy (S4-S10) cell phones.
15. If you are concerned about having your tech stuff lost or stolen, enable the device so you can locate it or toss a Tile tag or similar device on it.
16. I've tried several fitness trackers and I simply can't bring myself to use them, mostly because I never got into the running/walking metrics thing and also because they are a security risk in several ways.
17. Social media is a shitshow.  Be aware that what you post on social media can be traced back to you, that nothing you post is private even on SnapChat, and everything you say can be used against you in court.
18. YOU are the product when it comes to using websites (everything from Amazon to Facebook to Twitter, etc).  Your usage and data is meticulously tracked, ads are specifically targeted to you, and many of these apps and websites have miles-long user agreements in which you basically agree to let these "free" services do anything they want.  See also #1 above.
19. I trust newer tech even less than older tech.  DNA testing, "cashless" stores, microchip implants...no thanks.
20. The last video game I played was Asteroids somewhere back in the early 80s.  Needless to say I know nothing of contemporary video gaming.  I do, however, love the fact that I can download thousands and thousands of free e-books from our local library.

Bottom line, tech is ever-evolving and many things are hella cool but use what works for you with the full knowledge that literally EVERYTHING you do via technology can and will be linked to you for the rest of your natural life.

Back to Basics?

I read this recent article and was pretty horrified that human contact is now considered a luxury!?!  At a time when technology seems to be the be-all, end-all, you still have the power to go "back to basics" and not succumb to all the techno-crap that keeps people on edge, isolated, hostile, even suicidal.  Decades ago most people didn't have the mechanisms or the means to get away from the people in their lives, these days, everyone seems to be tuned out--and tuned into their tech devices at the expense of their real social connections (online connections can feel real but they aren't the same as dealing with real, live people).  So getting back to basics may be the answer to the overwhelming, and sometimes overwhelmingly negative, impact of technology on today's society.

• Go out to dinner and DON'T use your cell phone or any other tech devices.  Actually talk to the people you are dining with, like the spouse and kids, instead of having each person glued to their screen.
• Cook an entire meal from scratch (like making the hamburger buns from scratch, grinding the meat for hamburgers, even making your own ketchup).  This is even more interesting if it is a group effort.
• Volunteer your time at senior centers, this is particularly fascinating as those folks there have decades of interesting stories to tell.  Or volunteer with kids to teach them there is more to life than "likes" from random internet strangers.  Or volunteer to help in a disaster area where people need the most assistance.
• Go for a walk.  A good way to connect to the environment is to actually experience being in your environment instead of speeding past it in the car.
• Swear off social media, or all technology, for the weekend.  It will take effort to fill the hours usually spent on Facebook or Reddit, but boredom can actually make you more creative.
• Go out in the wilderness for the weekend.  Getting away from it all can do wonders for your mental health.
• Attend community events, take a class...get out among people if you are feeling isolated.
• Grow a garden, have a pet...if you aren't feeling that isolated, sometimes talking to your pet or your flowers is a happy alternative to dealing with people.

If you want to survive this crazy world sometimes you need to make your own rules and do your own thing whether it is Instagram-worthy or not.

Tomorrow is...National Day of Unplugging

For those of you feeling overwhelmed with social media/regular media/technology, tomorrow's National Day of Unplugging may be for you.  This is a national effort to get everyone to unplug for 24 hours and it looks like a great opportunity to distance yourself from technology and all that goes along with it.  Imagine not checking email, not checking social media, and if possible, not even answering your phone for 24 hours.  What other things could you do?   Take your kids to the park and stay 100% focused on them?  Take a microadventure?  Go on a day hike or weekend backpacking trip?  Stay home and focus on prepping tasks?  I think this is a good exercise for everyone, even just for the novel experience, to get away from it all and refocus on the here and now and not the mindless drivel that is social media/regular media these days.

Your Home--And Privacy--is Being Invaded

Nearly everyday I come across articles that note how technology is basically invading our homes.  Here's how:

• Nest has a "secret" microphone in it that "accidentally" was never noted in any documentation about the product.
• Your smart TV is spying on you.
• Your home assistant (Alexa, Echo, etc) is also spying on you.
• Many of the audio/video devices in your home like baby monitors can be easily hacked to spy on you.
• Email tracking is a thing.
• Even your doorbell can be remotely accessed.
• And the apps on your phone can relay very personal data about you to services like Facebook.
• Added: You aren't even safe from prying eyes at 35,000 feet!

If you are getting flashbacks to the novel "1984", you aren't alone.

10 Take-Aways from the Recent Vegas Hacking Conferences

In the world of tech, there are a lot of things to be concerned about.  Some of the takeaways gleaned from the best in the (hacking) business include...

1. A bunch of kids hacked a demo election site in minutes.
2. A number of attendees noted their rooms were searched by hotel staff for "security" purposes.
3. Tweeting can also get you into trouble.
4. The Internet of Things is a bit concerning when your home tech can easily be hacked.
5. And hacking cars isn't that difficult either.
6. Medical devices were hacked in the Bio Hacking Village.
7. Slot machines were hacked(?) during the conference.
8. One popular class at Black Hat was "advanced infrastructure hacking".  
9. Government attacks and surveillance was also a hot topic.
10. Here are all of the DefCon 'villages' and what they focused on hacking.

Kinda makes you want to head off the grid as quickly as possible.

Vegas Tech

Next month will be a hotbed of tech activity here in Las Vegas.  Otherwise know as "hacker summer camp", Black Hat (August 4-9), BSides (August 7-8), and DefCon (August 9-12) bring the best and the brightest in the info sec/hacking world to Las Vegas.  Needless to say, safety--of both your person and your gear--is a top concern for participants (or even non-participants who just happen to be in the area).  Find useful safety tips here, here, and here.  Be aware that there are few constraints when it comes to what people will do in the name of tech creativity that there are some fascinating stuff preppers might like, that paranoia is a thing, and that hacker will, well, hack,  It's what they do.

Do You Need a Drone?

Many people would say yes...just like I need the latest version of Fallout, Overwatch, or Call Of Duty.  But having a drone can be much more useful than a video game.  Of course there are (illegal) uses for drones like this viral drone with gun, and this thread about uses for drones in a survival situation is enlightening, and this blog post about 'how drones can be used for off-grid survival' gives some good information on the topic.  So consider the usefulness of adding a drone to your preps (or just getting one as a way to have fun with the kids).

Restart Your Router And Other Tech Tips

If you haven't been watching the news yesterday or today you may have missed the announcement by the FBI that all Americans should restart their internet routers due to a possible malware attack.  It's easy enough to do, simply turn it off or unplug it, count to 30, then plug it in/turn in back on. 

Here are several other things you should do with your tech on a regular basis:

• Change the password for your router occassionally (note, the password shouldn't be password...or whatever the default password is).
• If your cell phone/tablet/computer is password protected (it should be) be sure to change the password occasionally.
• Always download and install system/software updates and patches as soon as they are released.
• Back up your files regularly (to a thumb drive/external hard drive).  Make two copies and keep one accessible to you and store one off-site.
• Don't forget to regularly change the passwords to your other online accounts as well (email, banking, online services, etc).
• Any default password that comes with your new tech (hardware or software) should immediately be changed as soon as you set it up.  If you don't know how to do this, simply Google the name and model of your tech item and pull up the users manual for instructions).
• Keep a password-protected document with a list of all of your user names/passwords (because who can possibly remember all of these?).
• A quick note on passwords--make them complicated and unique (use lower case letters, upper case letters, numbers, as well as symbols in each password).
• Be wary of what information you send over open networks (ie: don't type in your credit card number over an open network, wait until you get home to purchase the item instead).
• If you often use your computer while on the go, consider signing up for a VPN (virtual private network).
• Don't leave your computer/cell phone/tablet where others can access it.  Always bring these items with you or leave them in a locked home/office in order to physically secure them.
• Always wipe your data from any tech item that you are selling.  Google "how to completely wipe data from (name of device)" to get instructions to do this.  Cell phones are pretty simple as you just need to do a factory reset; computers require over write software or removal and replacement of the hard drive.
• Beware of online/phishing scams.  Never download files you weren't expecting, don't fall for bogus emails, don't send private info via email (this goes double for pictures/videos you don't want blasted all over the internet).
• Finally, check out this huge list of even more tech security tips.

Having Alexa Hardwired into Your House WCGW?

From the mother of all bad ideas file...this article says that all new homes built by Lennar will have Google's Alexa service built in.  That's an awful idea IMHO...

• I DON'T use these listening devices in my home.  They can be hacked, they can listen in on your conversations, they can be used to track you.  No thanks.  I want to keep what little privacy I have left.
• Why this particular brand when there are other competitors such as Google Home, Apple HomePod, and probably countless other competitors in the future?
• What if this particular brand goes out of business or the technology goes in a totally different direction?
• How easy will it be for law enforcement to get a search warrant for the information gathered by this device?  Pretty easy probably.
• How easy would it be for the neighborhood kid to hack into your system and know everything that is going on in your house?  Ditto.
• Once a lot of homes are hard-wired into the system, how long will it take the company to add additional software to do other things that you weren't expecting (like targeting ads or regurgitating propaganda news to you day in and day out)?

While there is hardly any privacy left for the average person, this sort of intrusive technology is beyond the pale and an overall terrible idea for anyone to welcome into their home.

Should You Be Using a VPN?

Aside from being at home and using your home internet network to get online (which should be encrypted for your online safety and to keep everyone in the neighborhood from using it), most people don't give much thought to the safety of using other networks when they are not at home.  In a coffee shop with free wifi?  Great just log in!  At a hotel that offers free wifi?  Great just get the user code (usually your room number) and log in!  In a mall with free wifi and waiting for the spouse to finish shopping?  Great just log in!

The only problem with just logging into a free wifi network is that your information can get jacked, your secure passwords can be compromised, and the credit card you are using to purchase something online with can get hijacked and used by people who specialize in this sort of theft.  Yikes.

If you tend to use the internet while in public places, you can protect yourself by using a virtual private network (VPN).  I highly recommend using a subscription type VPN service instead of a "free" service since nothing is ever really free.  You can do a bit of Googling to find the best VPN service for your needs.  Once you have decided on a VPN service be sure to check TechBargains and see if there are any discount codes to be had for your service of choice.

Remember, a VPN service is a better way to protect your online activities than doing nothing BUT your security can still be compromised by several other things including theft of your cell phone or laptop, video surveillance at the public location you are at (ie: video cameras in a coffee shop installed by the business for general security but which can record everything you are doing on your laptop), power surges if you are plugged into an outlet, other customers looking over your shoulder and recording what you are doing on their cell phone, data theft (always require a password to access your home screen), etc.

30 Survival Uses for Your Smart Phone

These days, your smartphone is more like an appendage than a random piece of technology.  You are more likely to have your phone on you than most any other item you own, so I figured I would make a list of the many ways a smartphone can be used in survival situations...

1. Emergency alerts to warn you of local dangers (these warnings are often automatic through your cell service while other alerts need to be signed up for via Twitter and other social media apps).
2. To call for help (obviously, by calling 911)
3. To text for help (sometimes when a phone call won't go through a text will, either to friends and family or directly to your local 911 service if they have text-receiving technology)
4. To use as a flashlight (there are a number of powerful flashlight apps available)
5. To get the latest on breaking local news (via local news apps and Twitter accounts)
6. To listen to breaking news (the scanner radio app lets you listen live to many emergency service radio bands; other radio apps will allow you to listen to news programs)
7. To find your way with a compass app
8. To find your way with downloadable maps
9. To find your way via GPS (when you have cell reception)
10. To access emergency/survival information (emergency medical treatment info, the SAS Survival Handbook app, download the Army Survival Manual, etc)
11. To photograph information you can use later (everything from building evacuation diagrams to making videos of the route you are taking, etc)
12. To take a photo of a medical symptom and email it to your medical provider for appropriate information or assistance
13. Even a broken smartphone has many survival uses (examples here)
14. To find food (there are a number of apps that will help you track animals, identify wild edibles, and find local fishing areas, etc)
15. Set an ICE (in case of emergency) contact (there are a number of apps to alert loved ones that you need help and/or allow law enforcement or medical personnel to contact them through your phone)
16. To help if you get in a car accident (many insurance companies have apps that remind you what to do, what to photograph, and what information to collect if you get in an accident)
17. To locate loved ones (there are apps that allow you to track the location of a loved one's cell phone and vice versa)
18. To use as a panic button (again, there are apps that turn your phone into an audio--and email/phone call--emergency alert device)
19. To allow others to see what you see (Meerkat and Periscope are two streaming services that allow people to see everything you are seeing)
20. To receive alerts for natural disasters that are common in your area (there are apps for everything from tsunami warnings to earthquake alerts to hurricane warnings)
21. To check your medical condition (there are apps for everything from checking your blood pressure, relaying cardiac info to your doctor to determining if you are too drunk to drive)
22. For saving important documents that you may need in the future (ie: take photos of your passport, DD214, driver's license, etc)
23. To find loved ones after a disaster (and/or allow them to find you) via Google People Finder or the Red Cross Safe and Well websites
24. To record messages or reminders for yourself or others (via your phone's voice recorder, video recorder, or note taking app)
25. To take photos or videos after a disaster (for everything from insurance claims to assisting authorities after an event)
26. To find help (by calling 211 for social service help, by checking www.couchsurfing.org for a place to crash, by catching an Uber ride if you can't afford a taxi)
27. To survive in other cities (find medical services, download the local transit app, etc)
28. As a rescue beacon (authorities can 'ping' your phone to find out where it/you are)
29. To help you prepare in advance for disasters (there are apps for everything from building a first aid kit, to wilderness check off sheets, to "know before you go" information)
30. To call/text for help if you are having a personal crisis (such as the Suicide Helpline, the Rape Crisis Center, the PTSD Hotline, etc)

Obviously the big caveat with all of the above information is that, in most cases, you smartphone needs to be working and have enough power to be usable.  For this it is always a good idea to keep you phone fully charged and have alternative methods for charging your phone in case you do not have access to electricity (such as having a car charger, a solar cell charger, and/or a power bank on hand)

Technology...More Terrifying By The Moment

George Orwell wasn't far off (maybe by a few decades) when he wrote about government tyranny, doublespeak, and perpetual war (read the first couple of paragraphs here and tell me if it doesn't sound familiar) in '1984'.  And now for the latest in technology that can hunt you down and otherwise make your life miserable...

• While I am happy that the case of the young woman who was kidnapped right off the street was solved (and successfully no less), the method by which she was found should put everyone on alert as the kidnapper was found by tracking the GPS device which had been installed in his car.  To protect yourself: buy an old car that doesn't have a black box or GPS installed.  Worst case scenario: having such lousy credit that the car you buy comes with a trackable GPS unit so the dealer knows where the vehicle is every moment of the day.
• And then there was the new/old story of Russian hackers who (probably?) can take control over US infrastructure with the click of a mouse.  To protect yourself: continue to prepare for the possibility of no water/power/other infrastructure that you have come to depend on.  Worst case scenario: think "the government will fix it so I don't need to do anything but live my life as obliviously as I am doing now."
• Of course you know that your cell phone can track you but now it can do so with impunity as discussed here.  Best case scenario: you don't have or use a cell phone at all.  Second best would be using a burner phone.  Worst case scenario is, well, the status quo: allowing the cell phone companies to do whatever they want with your cell phone and your personal data.
• And, in a "didn't I see this in a movie plot?" twist, your medical implants are wide open to hackers as well (this document discusses the problems related to cybersecurity and medical devices.  Of course the hackers can read the same document so there is that...).  To protect yourself: I don't really have an answer for this because people who have implanted medically devices usually really really need them no matter how unsecure they are.

Unfortunately we live in a world where technology has taken over.  There is no going back to the good old days (within reason,  You could, actually, live as an anti-tech hermit should you choose to do so) so we are pretty much stuck with ever evolving technology that is doing as much for us as against us.

Bug Out Tech

Say you need to bug out.  It might be because of a flood or fire or it may be because someone calls you for a quick weekend trip and you need to leave now.  No matter the situation, it's a good idea to have your bug-out tech ready to go.  Here's what I carry for both bug-out and travel situations:

• A smartphone and charger (my Galaxy Note 3 is simply amazing).
• An unlocked quad-band cell phone (a cheaper, less attractive cell to use for international travel. At this point I use an old Samsung smartphone).
• A laptop and charger (I currently use a 14" HP laptop at home and have a 10" Asus transformer for travel.  I am now looking for a 13" UltraBook to replace both of these).
• A USB drive with all of my files backed up on it.
• A spare USB drive for transferring files, etc.
• Earbuds.
• A mini travel mouse.
• Spare memory cards (one for the cell phone, one for the laptop).
• Electrical adapter/converter/surge protector.
• Solar charger (Goal Zero, useful in a disaster when other electricity sources aren't available).
• Spot 3 (satellite messenger, useful for solo outdoor travel and during a disaster).
• AC/DC car power inverter (always carry this in my vehicle for emergency charging purposes).

What I no longer carry with me:

• A digital camera (my phone takes great pictures)
• A Kindle (ditto)
• An MP3 player (ditto)
• A digital video camera (ditto)
• GPS device (ditto)
• Mobile WiFi (my phone works as a hot spot).
• A tablet (had one, didn't use it)

50 Survival Apps for Your Smart Phone

Since I'm an android fan, these are android apps however many will have similar/same apps developed for your iPhone if you are an Apple user.

1. Brightest Flashlight 
2. Smart Compass
3. Altitude
4. Google Maps
5. Google Earth
6. Google Sky Map
7. Scanner Radio
8. SAS Survival (paid) or SAS Survival Lite (free)
9. Banking apps (to access your banks)
10. Skype
11. Survival Guide
12. Kindle
13. Army Survival Guide
14. Your local newspaper
15. Your local TV/Radio news
16. CNN
17. BBC
18. Al Jazeera
19. Radar Express or NOAA Weather
20. FEMA
21. Disaster Alert
22. Google Search
23. My Tracks
24. Wild Edibles
25. American Red Cross First Aid
26. Military Survival GPS
27. Radioactivity Counter
28. CB Radio Chat
29. Knots Guide
30. c:geo
31. Dangerous Goods Manual
32. ICE
33. Life360: Family Locator
34. Every Trail
35. My Nature Animal Tracks
36. Goto Aid First Aid Lite
37. Bug Out Bag Survival Guide
38. Wilderness Survival Pro
39. iTriage Health
40. Survival Skills for Aviation
41. Edible and Medicinal Plants
42. Where's My Droid 
43. Emergency Alert
44. Red Cross Mobile Apps
45. Anatomy 3D
46. Emergency Rescue Alarm
47. Chimani National Parks
48. My Topo Maps
49. Map My Walk
50. American Survivalist

Some Things You Should Know About Technology

Even if you aren't a died-in-the-wool tech geek, you should have at least a bit of knowledge about current technology (ie: what you don't know could hurt you):

• Top 10 Reasons to be Afraid of Hackers
• 'Smart Homes' are Vulnerable
• Your TV Might be Watching You
• Think Twice About that Burner Phone
• Feds Suspected in Malware Attack
• US Covers Up Program that Tracks Americans

tldr; although you don't need to be a tech genius (and with the exponential growth of the field, this would be nearly impossible anyway) but you do need to be aware of how hackers--and the government--can use technology to your detriment.

Some Subreddits to Follow

These are among the sub-reddits that I check frequently for updated news and random useful information:

• Reddit Bureau of Investigation
• Everyday Carry
• Survival
• Travel
• Backpacking
• Bike Touring
• Frugal
• Guns
• Conspiracy
• You Should Know
• News
• Earth Porn
• Best of Reddit