Dear Black Bag Confidential Reader,
This week’s batch of must-read articles hits on some of the top concerns you want to know more about — from protecting your internet privacy to fortifying against home invasions.
I’ve also included an excellent piece on the virtue of willpower. I believe a survival mindset is something anyone can cultivate — truly anyone. If you don’t believe me, take a look below.
1. Software Bug at Internet Service Provider Sparks Privacy Concerns
Another day, another data breach.
Internet-service provider Cloudflare announced Thursday that a software bug has been leaking sensitive information since September. Approximately 150 customers were affected — from personal website operators to large tech companies like Uber, Fitbit and OkCupid.
According to this article from The Wall Street Journal, Cloudflare customers began conducting their own investigation on Friday, notifying their users and evaluating their options.
But you already know that the key to protecting your privacy is creating strong passwords. Be sure to invent a different password for each website. That way, if one website is compromised, it won’t jeopardize multiple accounts.
Make sure your password contains random numbers, upper- and lowercase letters and special characters. Passwords should be at least 10 characters long and unique enough that they make sense only to you.
2. Chile Floods: Millions Without Water in Capital Santiago
As of yesterday, over 4 million people in Santiago have lost access to clean drinking water. Torrential rains and massive landslides have contaminated the Maipo River — and the company responsible for providing water to Chile’s capital says it doesn’t know yet when the water supply can be restored.
Taps are running dry, shops are running out of bottled water and long lines have formed as people queue up to receive government aid.
As we watch this situation unfold half a world away, keep in mind that something similar could easily happen here in the U.S. If you woke up one morning to empty pipes, how long could you survive?
If you don’t have a healthy supply of water in your home, then the answer is “not long.” So start stocking up today, because Mother Nature waits for no one.
3. Slash Your Chances of Being Robbed in Mere Minutes
If you’ve ever been concerned about home security or your family’s safety, this may be the most important piece you’ll ever read.
Click on the link above to learn about the one device that can do more to protect your home from unwanted visitors than any other.
Don’t spend another day in an unsecure home. Check out the article above now.
4. This Child Survived Eight Days in the Haitian Rubble
The earthquake that devastated Haiti in January 2010 decimated entire towns, claiming over 200,000 victims. But then, over a week after the disaster, an amazing story of survival — and hope — emerged.
Five-year-old Monley Elysee crawled out from under a heap of rubble, weak and covered in dust, but alive.
CNN’s Anderson Cooper reported on Monley’s courage and resilience, saying, “To have the fortitude to survive all alone, in the terror and the dark, day after day after day, [he’s] a sign of hope.”
Clearly, Monley was able to put himself in a survival mindset and overcome some absolutely harrowing circumstances. And if a child can muster up the mental strength to endure in the face of danger, you most certainly can too.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
5. Essential Knots: Bushcraft & Tarp Setups
Knot tying is an essential survival skill, but one that’s much easier to demonstrate visually than relay in writing.
Check out this fantastic video put together by Mike of MCQBushcraft. In it, he teaches you how to tie all the knots he uses in the wilderness — from an overhand knot to a clove hitch to a Prusik knot. He also shows you how to use these knots to set up a simple shelter with a tarp.
You’ll notice that Mike uses 550 paracord for many of these knots — which is the same type of cord I recommend you have in your bug-out bag, as well as on your person for everyday carry. This is just another reason why.
Stay safe,
Jason Hanson
