Making the Best of Your Internet Privacy

In this day and age, it seems everything is about information.  Every time you enter a keystroke online, someone is paying attention, your activities saved, logged and relegated to databases.  Usually, the info gathered is harmless, meant to make your surfing quicker and more enjoyable.  But it pays to know when you’re at risk and how to protect your Internet Privacy when necessary.

Anytime you connect to the Internet, no matter by what method, you have an electronic signature.  This is your Internet Protocol Address, also known as an IP address.  This is how the web knows who you are, where you are and the location of your computer information.  An IP address appears as a simple string of numbers, but this string of numbers can allow any website to save information about you and recognize you on your return. You can hide your address on the internet by using certain websites to substitute another IP number for your own.  There are also way to protect your computer at home from unwanted visitors.

You can set up security through your cable router, but you’ll have to contact your ISP (Internet Service Provider) to have that set up for you.  Each company varies in how they approach internet security.  A common method of protection is the use of a WEP key phrase, which turns a simple to remember word or phrase into a random combination of 16 to 21 letters and numbers as a password or pass code.  Once that is in place, no one will be able to access your Internet connection or PC unless they have that code.  This is only one example, but one of the easiest protections to set up because all DSL, FiOS and cable system comes with this option.  Again, all you need to do is call your Internet Severus Provider and let them set it up.

Laptops connect to the net through hotspots when you’re traveling about.  A hotspot is a wireless internet connection point.  But, everyone can use it, and with a simple little program called a Packet Sniffer, another person can find out what activities you are engaging in online and get private information.  The answer to this is to use an anonymous proxy server and acquire proven anonymous proxy software.  This is your best option for protecting your internet privacy.

Don’t take your online privacy lightly, because a breach can have serious, if not devastating results, results that are costly in more ways than one.  Your credit card accounts, bank accounts and reputation are all at risk if the information you’ve stored or sent on your computer is accessible.  Take time out to take the first simple steps to protecting yourself and your vital information.  You’ll be glad you did.

Be Sociable, Share!

•