One of the chief concerns among Internet users is knowing that their privacy is safe and that the computers and personal information are secure from internet security threats. As more personal business is completed online, including shopping, travel planning, blogging, paying bills, web surfing, and sending E-mail and instant messages, Internet users are more and more likely to send confidential information online. Most Internet users enter their address, telephone number, bank account number, or credit card number as they participate in e-commerce without thinking twice. However, it’s essential to safeguard this information and make sure that confidential information stays out of the wrong hands.

Most Internet users assume that the information they search for online and the personal information they enter is private. There are several factors to be aware of when using the Internet that call internet privacy into question, including:

  • Cookies: Cookies are a tool used to track a users web surfing. When a user visits a website, that site’s server receives the request for information, and sends the web content to the user’s computer. The user computer stores cookies on the hard drive without the knowledge or permission of the user. The information stored on cookies can be as simple as the name of a website, and as complex as credit card numbers to help automatically fill out forms later. Cookies have useful functions, such as helping web pages load faster, but it’s important to be aware that messages are sent between user computers and servers without the consent of the Internet user.
  • Internet Service Providers: Because the only way to get online is through a provider of Internet service, everything you do online can potentially be logged by your ISP. Your provider should have information on how they protect your privacy.
  • Data Logging: Many computers are set up to log all computer activity, which could risk a user’s privacy if the information got into the wrong hands through outside access to your computer.
  • Spyware: Spyware enters a user computer without warning or permission to monitor activity and steer advertising and other web content toward the user. Spyware is more than a nuisance that hinders computer performance; it can gather and transmit potentially confidential information to third parties.

There are several reasons why other individuals, companies, or even computer programs would want to violate your Internet privacy. In some cases the goal is to target advertising tailored specifically for your interest. In others, people may be trying to steal your information for their personal gain. In today’s ago of information, information is power.

Protecting your computer and your personal information by changing passwords regularly, using effective anti-virus software, using only websites that have taken precautions to ensure your privacy, and screening your system regularly for potentially harmful activity is the only way to safeguard your Internet Privacy. The Internet is an amazing tool, but it can also be dangerous if users fail to take steps to protect themselves.

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Filed under: Internet Security

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