Don’t worry too much. The database has been around for YEARS.

I’m sure Kirsti is doing whatever is needed to keep the data safe.

Besides that: it’s the data the church itself has published! They can also look data up in their own system.

One typical approach an OSA volunteer might use to gain access to a target like Kirsti’s database involves building a relationship slowly and methodically. This strategy can span several months or even years, during which the volunteer incrementally gains the target’s trust.

For example, an OSA volunteer might initiate contact with an email like the following:

Hi Kirsti, Just read the article on Mike’s blog about your database. I looked through the stuff I had kept on Scientology and, voila, enclosed please find copies of Source issues 258 & 260. Glad to be able to help. Please let me know that you’ve received them. Best regards, Sylvie.

At first glance, this email appears innocuous and even supportive. It references a common interest and offers seemingly valuable materials. The OSA volunteer, posing as a friendly and helpful individual, aims to create a foundation of trust.

The initial goal is to establish a rapport and demonstrate goodwill.

Over time, the volunteer continues to offer more help, share information, and engage in conversations. This might include sending more documents, sharing insights, or offering technical assistance.

As the volunteer continues to engage positively, the target begins to trust them more. The volunteer may share personal stories or express mutual concerns to strengthen the bond.

Once a significant level of trust is established, the volunteer might request access to the database, perhaps under the guise of wanting to help organize or secure the information.

Upon gaining access, the volunteer’s true objective is to compromise the database. This could involve copying sensitive information, introducing vulnerabilities, or completely crashing the system.

To protect against such covert operations, it is essential to maintain a high level of vigilance and implement several security measures:

Always verify the identity of individuals offering help, especially when they seek access to sensitive information. Cross-check their background and motivations.

Restrict database access to trusted individuals and regularly review permissions. Implement a robust access control system.

Use monitoring tools to track any unusual activities within the database. Set up alerts for unauthorized access attempts or suspicious behavior.

Ensure that the database is regularly backed up to prevent data loss in case of a compromise. Store backups in a secure, separate location.

Educate collaborators about potential security threats and the tactics used by OSA. Encourage a culture of caution.

When the authority of Hubbard is questioned it becomes apparent that he was putting out nonsense. Always Question Authority.

👏

Some day I hope there is a comprehensive history of those who worked behind the scenes as well as out the front in the fight against $cientology pre- and post-interweb’s arrival. When I finally get the time and retire properly and write up my small part in it all, I’ll be mentioning a whole lot of real heroes who helped me and others get out and stay out.

I researched every name on the list, posted my results on the (now defunct) WhyWeProtest forum site and an anonymous person put them in the spreadsheet:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1KTq41-3rbSBe2xMWHGwZ-dn4BKDYx6kn13G3p2y9fug/edit#gid=0

Regarding the current version of the list: a lot of the names mentioned more than twice but probably did OT VIII “only” 2 times

E.g. Janie Wallace is 5 times on the list, but her completions basically tell she did it in 1991 and 2002:

https://www.truthaboutscientology.com/stats/by-name/j/janie-wallace.html

I think this is the consequence of Scientology mentioning 1 completion in several magazines within, say, 12 months after the actual course was completed.

In the same way, there are people mentioned twice who did OT VIII only one time.

https://www.truthaboutscientology.com/read/forbidden_side/index.html

Kristi had been unfailingly helpful, as well as enthusiastically supportive of my efforts. Her help encouraged me to “come out of the closet” and publish my book “Fractured Journey.” I hope I get the chance to thank her in person someday.