Church Techy
Where Tech meets Church
Protecting Online Privacy
Author: Stuart30 May
A goodly number of years back…2002 to be precise, the EFF published a whitepaper on protecting your online privacy.
Despite this being 8yrs ago now the advice is still apposite and really it mostly boils down to common sense. I’ve linked to the original as they go into greater detail but here for your edification are the main points:
- Do not reveal personal information inadvertently.
- Turn on cookie notices in your Web browser, and/or use cookie management software or infomediaries.
- Keep a “clean” e-mail address.
- Don’t reveal personal details to strangers or just-met “friends”.
- Realise you may be monitored at work, avoid sending highly personal e-mail to mailing lists, and keep sensitive files on your home computer.
- Beware sites that offer some sort of reward or prize in exchange for your contact information or other personal details.
- Do not reply to spammers, for any reason.
- Be conscious of Web security.
- Be conscious of home computer security.
- Examine privacy policies and seals.
That’s it – ten succinct and common sense pointers.
Have you any old advice that still applies equally today?
Do you bother to protect your privacy?
4 Responses for "Protecting Online Privacy"
A few big ones for me:
1. Even if you only have one computer and don't need a router, use one with a hardware firewall in ADDITION to any software firewall installed.
2. Ensure that you have active and UP TO DATE virus protection running on your computer. My favorite is AVG.
3. Install and run some type of malware/spyware removal software. My favorite here is Malwarebytes.
Oh absolutely agreed Greg. Though I was trying to aim for a more "high level overview" than the nitty gritty specifics.
AVG & Malwarebytes are top notch in my view and a hardware / router firewall should be a no brainer, but ….!
Oh I also posted an internet security post on my blog lol.
I see that you have included many important tips that I forgot to mention. I recommend using FireFox browser and install some of the security add-ons and of course use the anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall, ad-blocker, email spam filter.
When it comes to email, USE GMAIL! It has the best spam filter hands down.
Hi Moe – yes I saw that post and will comment on it later.
I agree with most of what you said regards the specifics of the 'mechanics of protection' but as I commented to Greg above this post is very much about a practical high level overview hints n tips thing. As I do have many (some?) posts about specifics such as: http://www.churchtechy.com/2009/11/my-top-5-free-...
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