Always be wary of anything free because there are no free lunches.
Today, cell phone panic buttons are simple and readily available technology that connects you to support structures, be it family, security or community networks.
Andre Snyman, Eblockwatch founder, and Bryanston resident as part of this week’s edition of How Safe Are You?, an online and print security feature in partnership with Sandton Chronicle and Eblockwatch, discusses the issues of free panic buttons.
Snyman said the technology was a very effective method of looking after those who you love but that was not where the problem lay.
“The problem lies with the man in the middle who is offering this for free and you have to ask yourself why?” he said.
Before you use a panic button, you have to find out who the middleman is. “If you give a security or independent supplier permission to track your phone and at the same time your family, you have to be sure who has the information on your or your family’s whereabouts.”
He added that one of the rationales for checking was for security reasons. “Many people give these panic buttons away for free, but when you do research, these companies are based overseas and they have access to your personal information.”
They can use this information to generate a database of information for marketing purposes and they are able to track your every move, he said.
“Find out who has accountability on the other side for your information. It’s not the panic button that is going to help you, it is the network that you are connected to that makes the difference.”
He said that if anyone was able to track your movements, your security becomes compromised. “The Eblockwatch panic button has been available for 20 years. I am the only person with access to the information and the technology is localised between me and my IT guy.”
Snyman said paid for panic buttons have more accountability but free panic buttons could pose a threat to your security. “Always stay vigilant with those who have your information.”
Have you signed up for any panic buttons for your family? Share your views with us on the Sandton Chronicle Facebook page.
