Internet Security:
Your Personal Information is Big Business
When George Eastman invented the camera in 1888, he also brought
about new concerns over individual privacy and security. Just two
years later, in 1890, Warren and Brandeis published their landmark
article in the Harvard Law Review addressing the privacy issues
that stemmed from instantaneous photographs and newspaper enterprises
invading the boundaries of private life.
“Recent inventions and business methods call attention
to the next step which must be taken for the protection of the person,
and for securing to the individual what Judge Cooley calls the right
"to be let alone"
The right “to be let alone”…
Although the authors were referring specifically to the advent
of the camera, their words hold true to this day. The very technologies
that grant one more freedom have the same capacity to destroy and
enslave if they are not respected.
The massive growth of the Internet and e-commerce has drastically
increased the amount of personal information that is collected about
individuals. As you surf the net engaging in routine online transactions,
you leave behind a digital trail of personal information.
Many Internet Service Providers, search engine companies, and web-based
businesses monitor users as they surf the Internet. They record
what sites they visit, the time and length of these visits, what
search terms are used, and what purchases are made. When collected
and combined with other demographic or psycho-graphic data, a highly
detailed profile can be created. These profiles have become a major
currency in electronic commerce where advertisers and marketers
use the data to predict a user’s preferences, interests, needs,
and possible future purchases.
Protecting Your Privacy
The Internet has taken a shift and consumers are regaining control
over their personal information. Many tools have become available
for protecting your privacy. Generally, they can be divided into
two types; those that protect your identity and those that help
you negotiate with a web site over what personal information will
be shared. Several companies offer software called Anonymizers,
some for free, which allow you to create a fake online name and
make you anonymous. Infomediaries, a new and relatively untested
technology, allow you to decide what personal information is shared
at each site you visit. The infomediary is an unbiased, third party
resource for protecting personal privacy and identity on the Internet.
Anonymous Remailers are organizations that forward your email to
the recipient after removing all information that can be traced
back to you.
In addition to using software or third party organizations to keep
your information safe, there are other strategies you can use to
help safeguard your privacy.
- Always read a web sites privacy policy before submitting any
information, especially financial or medical information.
- Use a disposable email address when giving contact information
to unknown parties, for entering contests, or opting-in to a subscription
service.
- Be discreet. Do not provide personal information unless it
is absolutely necessary.
- Use email encryption, especially for sensitive messages.
- Regularly change your password for accessing your email account(s).
- Look for privacy seals by organizations such as TRUSTe, BBBOnline,
and WebTrust. These seals let you know that the web site has adopted
appropriate privacy policies and ensure visitors they are using
a web site they can trust.
Every day most of us give away information about ourselves, sometimes
knowingly and other times not so knowingly. You are your best privacy
protector. Be informed and use the tools available to keep personal
information personal.
Disclaimer - The Micro 2000 Tech Tip is a free service providing
information only. While we use reasonable care to see that this
information is correct, we do not guarantee it for accuracy, completeness
or fitness for a particular purpose. Micro 2000, Inc. shall not
be liable for damages of any kind in connection with the use or
misuse of this information.
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