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Internet Privacy and Safety Two Sides of the Same Coin?Online privacy and safety are hard to obtain, and are huge issues for many people. Privacy and safety basically go hand-and-hand in terms of the Internet, but they are not the same thing. There are many ways for users to protect their privacy and themselves online. Computers store vital information about users Internet usage that is readily available to any other person. In this case, users may have a privacy issue, because others are able to access their personal information. To protect themselves and their privacy, there are several things users must do.
First, it is important for users to maintain their privacy, by securing their password. Using a secure, password-protected email account, will ensure that users maintain their privacy. However, email
accounts that are viewed through Web pages such as Hotmail, are stored in the computers cache and are able to be seen offline, by accessing the browsers history or by accessing files directly on the computers hard drive from the Temporary Internet Files folder. Users may want t to protect their privacy further, by routinely deleting files from the Temporary Internet Files folder.
Clearing the computers cache can also be used to help protect user privacy. The cache store information on Web pages users have viewed recently on the Internet. Users can protect themselves and their privacy by deleting the history and their cache memory. Deleting their Web usage history will help users maintain their privacy, when others use the same computer. It is also important for users to take the proper steps to protect themselves from spyware and adware online.
Spyware and Adware are used to invade user privacy online. The software monitors and collects information about users Internet surfing habits, and passes the information to third parties without the users knowledge. The users information is used by marketing and advertising organizations that create adware programs and directed advertising in the form of po-ups and pop-unders. Spyware can also be used to directly threaten the safety of a user. It can be used to access passwords and other confidential information, which can be used to aid in the crime of identity theft.
Spyware typically comes from downloads, viruses, or worms, and unrequested installations. Free downloads most commonly include spyware and adware, but they are typically hidden from users. Some user may also unintentionally install spyware that is disguised as plugins or corrective software that allows users to view certain sites. In these cases, users greatly compromise their computers safety and their own privacy. There are also some companies that will invade users privacy by installing programs on their computers without their knowledge, but users can stop this process if they are aware it is happening.
Users can maintain safety while surfing the Web by using the proper software. Maintaining updated anti-virus and firewall protection, and other system security upgrades can ensure users are not bombarded with spyware and adware. Anti-spyware programs can also be used to clean the computers system regularly. The Web browsers security system should also be kept at medium or higher to provide users with the optimum security and safety, and should be set to warn users of dangerous downloads.
It is also important for users not to disclose too much personal information about themselves. Safety includes protecting your own identity, credit card information, and other personal information. Users should only disclose vital information to friends and trusted colleagues. It is also important for users to protect themselves against online vendors without privacy policies. Checking the ISPs privacy policy on selling address lists, and should switch Internet Service Providers if the policy is not satisfactory.
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