In this “enlightened” age of technology we tend to take things for granted. We assume, wrongly so, that just because we have antivirus software, or even a hardware firewall, that users online security is guaranteed. We go from website to website never taking into account the traces we leave behind. For some of us, we don’t have internet at home and we might go to a public place such as a library or an internet bar to log on. For those who use these types of services we might take it wrongly assume that our online security is safe because surely the internet bar or library regularly cleans the computers. In all these cases you are, sadly, wrong!
Speaking from personal experience, I know how dangerous it can be to take users internet privacy or security for granted. My brother has a tendency to use the same password for everything (sadly many of us do the same thing!). About a year ago some unscrupulous person discovered his “super-secret” password and was able to wreak havoc. This person gained access to my brother’s personal email, bank accounts, and other sites where he used this same password. Fortunately he realized that this was happening before anything disastrous could occur—he was very lucky.
In recent years the instances of users having their online security violated has increased exponentially. It has become a major concern among common internet users as well as those who maintain the networks. Despite the increased publicity of this epidemic it is still a major problem. There are a few things that you can do to increase your security.
The first, and simplest thing, is to cover your tracks. You can buy expensive software that will erase your browsing history once you log off but you can do this for free. To clear your browsing history you can follow a few simple steps (they might vary depending on which browser you are using): For Internet Explorer 7 go to the menu and select Tools | Internet Options. Where it says Browser History click “Delete” and it will erase your temporary files, history, cookies, saved passwords, and web form information; if you are using Firefox then select Tools | Options from the main menu. Look for Private Data and select the button labeled “Clear Now”.
Secondly it is highly suggested that you avoid Internet Explorer all together! Despite its popularity and large share of the browser market it is not, and never has been, secure. Hackers have had a field day the past several years finding and exploiting the security risks built into Internet Explorer. Microsoft has never done a good job of catching these vulnerabilities and has been slow to respond when they are reported. The best browser around for user’s online security is Firefox. Since it is open-source software it is regularly updated and the community can more easily report any security risks or vulnerabilities. Of course the advantages of Firefox is a matter of opinion, it is based upon years of experience helping to protect user’s online security.
Something else that many people overlook is your email address. Too many sites nowadays ask for your email address before you can use their site—web forums are a good example of this. They ask for your email address, they say, to allow them to verify your identity. They all claim, as well, that they will not sell your information or use it for any unscrupulous behavior. For 99% of sites this is probably true, but there are a few out there who take advantage of you. Users who are truly concerned with their internet security should have two email addresses—one throwaway address and another for everything else. The throwaway email address you use for registering at online sites and when you are asked to give your email address. The second is for your personal business—this is the one you give away to people you know. Don’t use your personal address except with your friends, family, and perhaps clients. The throwaway address you can get rid of every so often if you need to. (Gmail is a good option since you get a ton of storage space and it can be fairly anonymous). There are also plenty of websites that will give you an address for one-time use.
The last and one of the biggest things you can do to help protect your online security is web forms. Don’t—and I stress DON’T—use your home address and home telephone number unless you are ordering something. By giving away your home address and home telephone number you open yourself up to unsolicited sales calls and junk mail.
These steps might sound quite simple and obvious but most people on the internet don’t follow these steps. Even if you only take a few and apply them to your online experience you will see an increase in your security. Or better yet you won’t notice anything at all—which can actually be a good thing!
