google helps burglers

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

------ Forwarded Message
From: Bjørn <bv () norbionics com>
Organization: Norbionics
Date: Thu, 24 Feb 2005 14:29:27 +0100
To: <dave () farber net>, Ip <ip () v2 listbox com>
Subject: Re: [IP] google helps burglers

On Thu, 24 Feb 2005 12:08:44 +0100, David Farber <dave () farber net> wrote:

> ------ Forwarded Message
> From: Ed Lazowska <lazowska () cs washington edu>
> Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2005 20:28:19 -0800
> To: Dave Farber <dave () farber net>
> Subject: In case you have not run this on IP yet
>
> [multiple forwardings]
>
> Google has implemented a new feature where you can type someone's
> telephone number into the search bar and hit enter and then you will be
> given a map to their house.  Everyone should be aware of this.  Note
> that you can have your phone number removed or blocked.
>
> What a great tool for burglars!!

Just HOW does that help a burglar?

Let us assume there are two main types of burglar: the desperate addict
and the true professional.

The desperate addict wil probably not have a computer to use Google on,
and will usually prowl around the neighbourhood looking for something that
seems easy.

The professional will not need a Google map. Professionals trade detailed
information, do proper scouting of promising areas, and will sometimes use
an insider. Being able to go from a phone number to a map location will
not make that process easier. People do not get burgled because of their
phone numbers. They will often get burgled because of where thy live.

If you own a house, it is on a public map. You want it to be that way,
otherwise your ownership might be questioned. Unless you boast in public
about your valuable and easy to sell posessions, there is no reason for a
burglar to seek out your house over all the others. 50 dollars will buy me
a CD-ROM full of detailed map and ownership information for an area.
Google did not get the contents of their databases out of the blue, and
not from any secret sources either.

This is the kind of thinking that leads to all the stupid airport
"security" - people do not evaluate risks.

-- 
-bv

------ End of Forwarded Message


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