Sneaky Ways To Get Around Those Internet Privacy Issues
It is nearly impossible to maintain privacy online. Users may be giving out personal information, including email addresses and contact information, without knowing it. There are many ways for users privacy to be violated online. However, there are some ways to avoid these privacy issues, and to get around them. Properly configuring the Web browser is one way to ensure that privacy is not invaded. In the browser’s Setup, Options, or Preferences menus users have the option of using a pseudonym instead of their real names; users may also withhold their email address, and other personally identifiable information. It is also advisable to turn on cookie notices in the Web browser, and use cookie management software. There are many cookies that can be used for “data mining” purposes to track how much time a user spends on a specific Web site, what links are clicked on, and other details a company would record for marketing purposes.
If a user is mailing to an unknown party, posting to a newsgroup, mailing lists, chat rooms, and other public spaces on the Internet that mentions their email address, the users should use a pseudonymous or alternate email address. Users should only use their main email address on small, members-only lists, and with individuals they trust. Free email service providers, such as Yahoo and Hotmail are best for creating a “side” email account. Users should never give their personal details to strangers or other users they just met. It is important for users to realize that they can’t trust any person that is asking for their personal information online. There is a lot of personal information users may prefer to withhold until they meet the other person, which includes their full name, place of employment, phone number, and street address. Many users may also experience privacy issues at work. It is important to realize employers often monitor worker’s Internet usage. Users should avoid sending highly personal emails to mailing lists, and should keep sensitive files on their home computers.
Users should also be aware of sites that offer rewards in exchange for personal information. Web sites offering rewards are usually gathering information for direct marketing purposes. It is also advisable to stay away from any online sweepstakes or other contests. Ignoring spam messages is also a way to get around some Internet privacy issues. Spam emails should never be replied to, and it’s not advisable for users to use the “REMOVE links either. Many spammers share user information with each other, and the REMOVE link is often used to verify that a real person contains the user email address. Therefore, users will only be bombarded with more spam from other companies. Copies of spam email may also be forwarded to your Internet Service Provider’s system administrators who can route the complaint to the spammer’s ISP. Some users may also find it useful to equip themselves with filters and anti-spam services.
Users can also protect themselves by looking out for spyware. Spyware is software that may be included with applications users’ install on their computers, such as games, utilities, and other software. The spyware can be removed by using the Windows Ad-aware program. Firewall hardware and software can also be used to protect user privacy and to provide security to home computers. The firewall software can be used to protect users from hackers who are trying to their credit card and personal information.
Privacy policies and seals should also be examined before doing online business. Users should consider whether a vendor offers offline contact information, including a postal address, if the site has a posted privacy policy, and if the site provides a seal to back the policy. It is also possible to protect privacy by using encryption. Encryption can protect users from government surveillance, identity theft, and hackers. There are many forms of encryption software that is easy-to-use, free, and runs on almost all computers. The best encryptions will use secret codes that are almost impossible to crack in order to protect users’ data.
