PROTECTING YOUR PRIVACY ONLINE
Page 1 of 2
CSS 104 Handout #48
Online classes are wonderful for their convenience, 24/7 availability, and the opportunity for students at any stage of life to enhance their education. While online classes at public colleges and universities are gaining popularity, it is a good idea to remember privacy issues at any time you are online.
First, when you complete a profile, do not include cell or land line phone numbers, personal email addresses, residence addresses, or other personal information. Certainly, do not include social security or other personal identifying numbers, and do not include your date of birth. Don’t mention your place of employment or personal details about your private life that you don’t want shared.
As much as possible, privatize your browser. Each browser has slightly different settings and I’ve included links to three of the most common browsers here.
Link to privacy settings in Mozilla
Link to privacy settings in Internet Explorer
Link to privacy settings in Safari
Keep your browsers up to date. Most browsers have automatic update options. Use them to fully protect yourself.
Set your operating system to update automatically to ensure you have the latest update. Update to the latest versions of Java and Adobe Reader.
Be careful when using search engines. Many have pop-ups or advertising that may appear warning you that your computer is “infected” and “click here to clear your computer”. Usually these are advertisements trying to lure you into spending your money. Other times they are worms, viruses, or other malware trying to encroach on your system. BE CAREFUL WHEN CLICKING.
Learn to READ THE SCREEN. Too many people click merrily through web sites when downloading and end up with extra, useless, tool bars or even more malware. If you do end up with malware, consider reading this article from eHow.
How to Eliminate Malware in Safe Mode.
Many of you already know the dangers of viruses and other mutants, but the article above may help. All versions of Windows boot into Safe Mode. Here are links for each of the most popular versions.
How Do I Start Windows in Safe Mode?
Start in Safe Mode in Windows 8
Boot into Safe Mode in Windows 7
Boot into Safe Mode in Windows Vista
Boot into Safe Mode in Windows XP
When using Facebook or other social networks, do not “friend” just anyone. Ensure your personal information is NOT posted as, Facebook’s protests to the contrary, information on Facebook CAN be accessed by other than your friends!
Set “cookie” guidelines for your browser. Click here for information about cookies and the Internet.
Cookie Demo Note that even this page has an advertisement to “Run a free scan”. Pages have advertisements just like newspapers or magazines. But do NOT click on the green button. Click on the red font where it says “Click to analyze your Internet connection”.
Consider creating an alternate email address to use when signing up for mailing lists or other information. Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail are all possible alternatives to your personal email.
Don’t send personal email from work! Many employers monitor email to ensure the company’s security!
Here are some additional links that discuss online privacy.
10 Ways to Protect Your Privacy Online
Online Privacy & Safety
Protect Your Privacy
©bcct'g 2013
All rights reserved
This document may not be reprinted or reproduced in any manner without written permission