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COMPUTER SECURITY - WHY PROTECTING YOUR PRIVACY IS VITAL

Posted on April 23, 2011

Computer privacy is an alien concept for many of the computer users as they fail to realize the importance of protecting one's computer and maintaining privacy. Out of millions of computer users all over the world, many have accepted the fact that privacy is one of the main reasons behind their reluctance to use the information technology. There are so many cyber crimes circulating these days and collecting users' information is becoming a lucrative business for many companies.

On another level, i.e. the interpersonal level, there are many people out there who would make use of web-based services in order to obtain information pertaining to the personal background of the internet users. The criminals sift through information like personal details of users in order to create forged identities, thus committing identity theft crime. The information which would have taken a good amount of laborious hours to copy by hand can now be obtained by criminals in minutes thanks to the advancement in technology.

It does not matter if you are at work or if you are at home on your personal computer the information can be accessed. One of the easiest ways for people to access information is through the cookies that are stored on a computer. The cookies are stored when you are surfing the Internet looking at different websites and items.

Computer privacy can be defined as the power belonging to an individual that enables him/her to conceal certain truths about one and also to control how one's truth can be used by others. However the concept of privacy does not just encompass the power to hide things, it is also all about integrity, autonomy and self-possession.

When maneuvering around on the Internet you will usually be drawn to a website. The first thing you need to do is read the privacy policy that is place. This will tell you what information is being pulled from your computer so the site knows who you are. It will also let you know if the companies will sell your information to other companies so they can try and persuade you to shop with them also.

Also, adopt the good habit of keeping your professional and personal life separate, so create a separate account and use that as your personal email instead of using your work account since that might be monitored by your employer.

You should also not indulge in the practice of giving out your personal details online as this act is equivalent to providing sensitive information to strangers. If you have kids using the net, then teach them the same too.

One should also keep in mind that the browser cache has to be cleared after each browsing. You can use the ÔEmpty Cache' button for this purpose. Also, when filling out online forms make sure that they are encrypted and secure so that no third party can have access to your personal details. You can also use encryption in order to keep your email private and use anonymous browsing.

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