Is your privacy protected online? Find out the answer to this question too late, and you could be facing some serious hassles: identity theft, compromised financial information, or simply dozens of annoyances coming through your inbox in the form of spam.
That's why the best way to ensure that your privacy is protected in cyberspace is to take precautionary steps beforehand. Here are a few.
Keep personal information personal :
There are more opportunities than ever to give away personal information online --knowingly or inadvertently. Social networks, forums, blogs -- all encourage interactivity. And, as you get comfortable with your online friends, it's tempting to reveal personal details.
Just remember that when you write something on a social website, its usually there for all to see. So be very careful about what information you divulge about yourself voluntarily.
How closely does your screen name or username resemble your real name? Have you posted your age, location, or other identifying information on any websites? In the course of conversing online, do you routinely drop details about yourself that someone with less than altruistic intentions could use to invade your privacy or compromise your security?
And how about members of your family? Do you have kids who might unwittingly be providing personal information about themselves, you, or your family?
All of the security software in the world won’t protect your privacy if you or your loved ones aren’t careful with personal information online. It’s a good idea to have a chat with family members about what information is and is not acceptable to divulge online to complete strangers
That's why the best way to ensure that your privacy is protected in cyberspace is to take precautionary steps beforehand. Here are a few.
Keep personal information personal :
There are more opportunities than ever to give away personal information online --knowingly or inadvertently. Social networks, forums, blogs -- all encourage interactivity. And, as you get comfortable with your online friends, it's tempting to reveal personal details.
Just remember that when you write something on a social website, its usually there for all to see. So be very careful about what information you divulge about yourself voluntarily.
How closely does your screen name or username resemble your real name? Have you posted your age, location, or other identifying information on any websites? In the course of conversing online, do you routinely drop details about yourself that someone with less than altruistic intentions could use to invade your privacy or compromise your security?
And how about members of your family? Do you have kids who might unwittingly be providing personal information about themselves, you, or your family?
All of the security software in the world won’t protect your privacy if you or your loved ones aren’t careful with personal information online. It’s a good idea to have a chat with family members about what information is and is not acceptable to divulge online to complete strangers
