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Welcome to the lunacy that is 2026

Here we go, another year, new challenges, new opportunities.

Right now I'm working on a documentary video looking into AI and the dangers that surround its very existence.

However, today I look at much more immediate threats and the naivety of those who are supposed to protect us from them.

Let's talk hacks and data protection (or the lack of it) here in New Zealand.

Over the holiday break two significant data-breaches were reported.

The first was the Manage My Health system where reports indicate that over 120,000 patient files were accessed by hackers due to lax security.

According to the media, that data is already available on the dark web.

The other hack was Stuff's Neighbourly website where an unspecified amount of user data was compromised in a hack. The type of information stolen was said to include names, email addresses, GPS coordinates, public forum posts and direct member communications.

Clearly these security failures are not a good look for the organisations involved but, as an early NZ direct marketer once used to say "it's the putting right that counts", so what's being done to remedy the situation?

Well in an astounding display of naivety, clearly designed to placate an equally naive section of those whose data has been compromised, both organisations have taken moves to ensure that the stolen data can't be used.

Manage My Health has made the ridiculous statement that it would be “commencing legal action to protect our clients’ data”.

Excuse me while I try to control my disbelief.

Are they really suggesting that somehow, a New Zealand court can do anything to protect the data that is now freely avialable on the dark web from being misused by those with evil intent? What colour is the sky in these people's world?

But Neigbourly are no different in that regard...

In an equally ridiculous statement, Neighbourly has told its members it will look to seek a court injunction against the use of any of the material.

Again... are they seriously suggesting that this will make the slightest bit of difference to the intentions and actions of the evil sods who stole the data in the first place?

You couldn't make this up if you tried.

The sad reality is that data-breaches are now a fact of life and this should send a sobering message to anyone who is silly enough to support the concept of compulsory government-run digital ID systems, such as the one being proposed in the UK right now.

There is no such thing as "100 percent guaranteed security" in this world and now that hackers have access to the the world's most powerful AI systems for just a few dollars a month, I would not bet on any system being imune to their attentions.

Carpe Diem folks!

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