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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.