Crypto War: We Need a Better Solution

If you’re a red-blooded American you probably know the 2nd Amendment, right to bear arms argument all too well.

One side argues owning a fire-arm is a constitutionally given right which makes America a safer place. Meanwhile, the other side argues for tighter restrictions due to gun-related violence.

My personal favorite is: “Strong gun control means you can hit your target!”

No matter what side you’re on, the issue is beyond complicated. It requires a measured and well-thought-out approach to balance between personal and federal protection.

Now imagine throwing the gun out of the debate, and think about another device most Americans carry around with them and use every day…

Smart phones.

The argument in this case is now eerily similar. After the most recent terrorist attacks, the U.S. Government isn’t saying you can’t have this device. However, they are pushing for policy that would control key features on it. Specifically, the 10-letter technology that’s at the center of this whole freedom and privacy debate: encryption.

Now if you’ve watched any of the political news conferences lately, you probably heard the politicians throwing around the encryption buzzword like it’s the spawn of Dr. Evil. From what they’re saying, you’d think it’s only used for despicable purposes and terrorist plots.

But just like guns, encryption technology is primarily used for security and protection. Smart phones store and communicate an incredible amount of personal information such as financial, health, and location data.

It’s now more important than ever to keep this information away from criminals who want to leverage your own personal information against you.

Without strong encryption, hackers and criminals can access your personal information, steal it, and even use it without your knowledge or permission. If you know anyone who has had their credit card or identity stolen, you know exactly what I am referring to.

But it gets worse. Without strong encryption, security hackers have the capability to turn on your microphone or camera without you knowing. Better not take your phone to the restroom ever again!

After the tragic San Bernardino shootings, the FBI asked Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) to not only assist with breaking into the terrorist’s iPhone to gain crucial intelligence, but to also build a permanent “back door” into the software on iPhones to allow for government access.

Apple complied with the first request, but denied the second on the grounds that this