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Surfing
the Internet Online Course |
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Surfing
the Internet Online Course |
Privacy and the
Internet
Protecting Your
Identity on the Internet
Profiling and What it Means
Questions: How will information on my profile be used.
Companies are gathering information on the browsing habits of customers- called profiling. They are then sharing the information you provide by surfing the net, filling out a form with other companies. They are using this information to target their market, thereby smart selling. This information can be given to insurance companies, health organizations, the government and more. The thing to remember is that when you use the web, register software, or register your computer is to be careful when disclosing personal information.
Encryption
Encryption is a way to send information over the internet so that nobody but you and who you are sending the information can view it. Encryption is putting information and text into a code that only the encryption programs have a key for. In order to give out your credit card number, websites use security features. Yet just because a site promotes that they have security features installed- a SSL Secured Socket Layer encryption, does not mean that once they get the information that they will not share with others.
Store Personal Information on your Web Browser?
To store personal information for Web sites
- On the Tools menu in Internet Explorer, click Internet Options.
- Click the Content tab.
- In the Personal information area, click My Profile to view and edit the information used by Profile Assistant.
I recommend that you check out what personal information you have in your profile so that you can see what information on yourself you are exposing.
Registering Software and Hardware
Computers today are set up for you to "Register" your product so that you can receive their warranty, updates, or other incentives. This is another way computer companies profile you an your personal information. To get around this ,you can make up a fictitious name and address that is your alias- thereby setting up a false identity to protect your privacy.
When you enter in your personal information into your new computer, some are set up to save that profile and thus making it accessible to the internet. To get around this, do not fill in the blanks. The company is obligated to still provide you with the guarantees without you giving out your personal information-- be sure to keep a copy of your receipts.
Privacy Issue Question
Q: If an employee is surfing the Internet during the working hours, does the employer know where the employee has been and for how long he or she has been surfing? Can that employer read all of my e-mail? Jim
A: Yes, your employer can intercept all communications you make on the Internet. Your employer can tell which URLs you enter into the computer and which e-mail addresses you send e-mail to. However, some communications you have online can be secure. There is no way, for example for your employer to see what items you might be buying online, or what your credit card number is if you are using a secure site (SHTML). If you are using an encryption program like PGP, then your employer cannot read your e-mail.
You employer even can know how long you have been on one page or another. However, you could have surfed to a page and walked off to get a cup of coffee.
