How Your Internet Browser Ties Into Internet Privacy Or Lack Thereof

Your web browser could be a leaky faucet that is revealing your e-mail address to every web site that you choose to visit and you may have no idea.  This absolute invasion of your privacy is actually pretty common and the amount of privacy you have probably depends on the web browser your computer is using.

There are several different ways you can take control and increase your privacy online even before new legislation is passed, as expected with the amount of information online continuing to grow.

One of the best things you can do to safeguard your privacy is to create nonsensical passwords.  Since your account is only as secure as your password, make sure to use unique combinations of numbers, letters, and symbols.  Be sure to never use personal information as part of your password.  There are tools available to help attackers guess your passwords, so with today’s computing power, it does not take a hacker long to try every word in the dictionary and find out which you have used.  The best thing to do is to not use a real word for your password.  Also be sure to mix different character types, using both uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and even special characters such as & or #.

Also, assume that any information you send is not private unless you have a powerful encryption program.  When connected to a secure server, which is evident by a web address that begins with https, web browsers will encrypt text automatically.  The server decrypts the text when it arrives, but as the information travels between computers, anyone who may be “listening in” to the transmission would only see unreadable gibberish if it were to be intercepted.

Be sure to always read the fine print when making a purchase or providing information online.  Make sure that the sites that you are visiting won’t be selling your information to a third party or use it for any other purpose.

When using e-mail, remember that the delete key does not make your e-mail messages disappear.  Instead they can almost always be retrieved from backup systems.

All computer users have the ability to program their computer to not accept cookies without their permission, so try turning the “cookies” setting off on your computer.  This eliminates the potential privacy risks, but may limit or prevent the use of many websites. All significant web browsers have this disabling ability built-in, with no outside program required. Also, users may frequently delete any stored cookies. Some browsers have the option to have the system clear cookies automatically whenever the user closes the browser. Another way is by allowing cookies in general, but preventing their abuse. You can also find a host of wrapper applications that will redirect cookies and cache data to another location. Using such programs prevent the storing of browsing information on the actual computer and sends the information off-system when the user takes out the USB flash memory device.

When you are making online purchases be sure that the transaction is secure.  Look for the closed lock icon in the bottom corner of the screen to confirm that the information you are sending is safe from preditors.

By following these simply suggestions, you can limit the amout of information you make available about yourself over the internet.  It is important to know the specifics of the web browser that you choose so that you can identify possible problems or security risks.  Be sure to read the company’s security and privacy policies before sending any personal informaion out on the web, and if you are worried about cookies or profiling, consider a disposable e-amil address so that your true email address is kept safe.