| August 11, 2008 18:01 - Avoid These Top Seven Online Pitfalls
Not taking seriously our online privacy and security can cost us dearly. The implications have been highlighted by a study undertaken by Consumer Reports, reported in its September, 2008 issue.
The report identifies seven of the most common blunders which can ruin our computers or invite identity theft and offers advice on what we can do to avoid a Web disaster...
- Assuming security software is fully effective -- it only is when activated and frequently updated. Most software will notify you when your subscription is due.
- Accessing an account through an e-mail link. Clicking on an embedded Web links is risky because they can give cybercriminals your account access and lead to theft of your identity or loss of bank account funds. Access an online account only by using your existing browser bookmark or typing in the institution’s Web address.
- Using a single password for all online accounts. Nine per cent of respondents to the survey do and this provides easy access for someone looking to steal a consumer's identity. A secure password uses variations for each account and using a combination of at least eight letters, numbers and symbols.
- Downloading free software. Although we are tempted by not spending cash, free downloads often come with spyware -- slows your computer and gives away all of your personal information. To avoid, download freeware from reputable sites like SnapFiles.com and Download.com.
- Thinking your Mac shields you from all risks. Mac users get trapped by phishing scams just as much as Windows users. Apple's Safari browser has no phishing protection, so users should try Firefox or Opera.
- Clicking on a pop-up ad that says your PC is insecure. Fifteen per cent of respondents click on a pop-up ad. This can allow malicious malware to be loaded to your PC or re-direct you to a malicious site. When you get a pop up, click the 'X' button at the top right of the window. Never close by using buttons within the window, which will set off the malware. You can get rid of pop-ups altogether by enabling your browser's pop-up blocker or use a free add-on blocker such as Google Toolbar.
- Shopping online the same way you do in stores. Online shopping requires us to divulge more of our personal details than if we purchase in-store. Sites that display "https" before their address when you’re entering sensitive information and those displaying certification symbols from TRUSTe and other organizations are usually safe, but there are no guarantees. Use a separate credit card for Internet purchases and don't use a debit card. Alternatively, get a virtual account number from your credit-card company, which is good for only one purchase for a specific vendor.
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July 31, 2008 21:53 - ISPs Promise Not To Spy In FileSharing Crackdown
Internet service providers have pledged not to "spy" on the web habits of customers as part of an agreement with the UK government to punish illegal sharing of music and films.
Privacy fears had been raised after six of the UK's biggest ISPs agreed with the government, the music industry body the BPI and the Motion Picture Association to reduce illegal file sharing within three years.
The BPI said yesterday that there would be no policing by the ISPs or any "spying" because no personal information was gathered in identifying which internet addresses were file sharing. The BPI said the focus was on uploaders of illegal content.
As part of a memorandum of understanding signed by the ISPs, they have agreed to a three-month trial and send out 1,000 letters a week to subscribers identified by the BPI as having been engaged in illicit uploading or downloading of music.
In the meantime, the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) has launched a consultation to find out what would be the most appropriate measures to be taken against llegal uploaders/downloaders. The government has threatened to introduce legislation if progress was not made.
The BERR says that although the Government would prefer a fully voluntary approach, this is not feasible and needs regulatory backup after consultation. The consultation will look at measures for punishing offenders that could include blocking people from downloading certain materials or slowing their internet connection.
According to a report from Jupiter Research, 20% of European iPod owners buy digital music at least once a month, while 30% use file sharing networks to download music illegally at least once a month.
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July 13, 2008 20:33 - YouTube Users Data Privacy Breach
As a result of Viacom's copyright infringement case against Google, a New York federal judge has ordered Google to turn over to Viacom a database of YouTube users which identifies every clip they have watched.
However, the order has raised concerns among users and privacy advocates, such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), that the online video viewing habits of tens of millions of people could be exposed.
EFF's Kurt Opsahl said in a blog post...
"The court's order grants Viacom's request and erroneously ignores the protections of the federal Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA), and threatens to expose deeply private information about what videos are watched by YouTube users. The VPPA passed after a newspaper disclosed Supreme Court nominee Robert Bork's video rental records. As Congress recognized, your selection of videos to watch is deeply personal and deserves the strongest protection."
Google's attorney also expressed worry over privacy protection saying, "We are disappointed the court granted Viacom's overreaching demand for viewing history," she said in a statement Thursday. "We will ask Viacom to respect users' privacy and allow us to anonymize the logs before producing them under the court's order."
Viacom's general counsel, Michael Fricklas, said the request to keep the information anonymous was under consideration.
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