Dear Black Bag Confidential Reader,
This week, I’ve chosen several pieces that build on topics we’ve recently covered. My goal is to give you more ways you can easily and efficiently integrate prepping into your everyday life.
Because at the end of the day, ensuring your survival is up to you. The number of threats we face is growing daily and you never know which one will be straw that breaks the camel’s back.
Let’s dive in.
1. Prepping for an Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack
I know many of you have expressed concerns about how to prepare for a failure of the power grid. Previously, we’ve talked about the possibility of cyberterrorists hacking into power stations, disrupting service and sending us back to the 1800s. But another event that could easily shut down the power grid is an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) attack.
The piece above does a great job of explaining in layman’s terms what an EMP is, as well as spelling out what devices are at risk and — most importantly — what you can do to protect yourself. It’s well worth the read.
And take a moment to consider the following point: “The U.S. Senate recently stripped funds for hardening the country’s power grid against EMP from a homeland security bill. We are on our own.”
We are on our own.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Preparation is key. You don’t want to have to rely on government agencies for aid when the stuff hits that fan — no matter the cause.
2. 7 Technology Trends That Will Dominate 2017
Take a look at the No. 1 trend expected to eclipse the tech field this year. We’re edging closer to Jetsons-style homes full of smart devices, which sounds like a timesaving dream. Who doesn’t want voice-activated appliances and luxury at the push of a button? But there’s a big price to pay for that kind of convenience.
Imagine losing control of your home and — perhaps even more terrifying — your privacy if these devices were hacked.
I recommend applying the same restrictions I suggested for smart TVs to all internet-connected appliances. Basically, don’t connect them to the internet. Especially since most companies seem to be focusing more on the user experience than sufficient cybersecurity measures.
3. What We Can Learn From the California Evacuation
Here is an excellent examination of the situation in Oroville, California. As of this writing, more rain is expected in the region and local reservoirs are filled to the brim. Thousands of residents are displaced and unsure when they’ll be able to return home — or if they will still have a home to return to.
This piece takes a good look at what’s wrong with conventional prepper wisdom and how you should adjust your bug-out plans depending on your reason for bugging out.
The article also reiterates a lot of the recommendations I’ve previously discussed in Black Bag Confidential, including the importance of trusting your gut and why it’s crucial to factor the risks associated with your area into your emergency plans.
4. Should You Take Your Phone to the United States?
Conversely, should you take your cellphone abroad when you leave the U.S.? The fact is whenever you travel overseas — coming or going — I recommend leaving your phone at home.
I never take my cellphone when I leave the country. Instead, I buy a cheap flip phone and an international SIM card that allows me to make calls all over the world. I never take my laptop, either. I have a cheap notebook that I can use to send and receive email when I travel.
Not only do foreign governments love to steal Americans’ information any chance they get, but you could be forced to hand over your device at customs, jeopardizing the privacy of your digital life. Definitely something to think about before your next big trip.
5. The April Event That Will Send Shock Waves Around the World
Truly, disaster could strike anytime. In this case, the danger we’re facing on April 30 could plunge the United States into financial chaos leading to riots, mass arrests, even declaration of martial law.
Basically, our collective worst nightmare.
Which is why again I say, prepare, prepare, prepare. Check out the article above to discover the best way to secure your savings and potentially prosper from the coming economic storm.
Don’t wait. This cataclysmic event is less than 90 days away…
Stay safe,
Jason Hanson
