While there
are a number of problems relating to online privacy and cyber safety,
individuals should by no means, ostracize technology. Having access to the Internet reaps a surplus
of benefits. In fact, through online
usage, individuals are exposed to solutions to combat cyber safety and
privacy. There are a number of
solutions, practices and reforms addressing e-sponsibility. By educating one’s self on various options
and enacting these principles, individuals can greatly decrease their chance of
falling victim of exploitation or exposure.
Obviously, education is the basis for protection. Options and practices are all initially
formed through understanding the problem and recognizing correlating solutions. However, through education, one realizes there
are many solutions and actions that improve security.
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| Word Cloud developed by Brianna Claggett at Tagxedo |
In relation
to online privacy, there are a number of habits individuals can adopt that will
help protect their online identity.
According to Internet Safety Solutions, phishing is a technique employed
by online criminals to trick Internet users into giving them confidential
information.” Developing habits such as
not giving personal or secure information unless absolutely necessary will help
prevent these online criminals from accessing personal information. In addition, being wary of pop-ups or spam
emails will also prevent identity theft.
Using strong passwords and secure Internet connections are also smart
choices. However, these practices are
only effective if an individual regularly implements them. It’s up to each individual whether or not
they will adapt to the measures required for a secure relationship with the
Internet. If so, these small actions can
be very effective with a long-term impact.
Another
option for online users is to surf anonymously.
According to Umar Anjum, staff writer for Smash!ng Apps, “When you
browse the Internet through hidden proxies, websites [do] not send you the
request directly but toe the proxy server.”
Therefore, your personal information remains just that, personal. Proxy free services such as HideMyAss, Tor,
and Guardster all allow users to browse the web anonymously. Kate Murphy, New York Times staff writer,
recommends, “not using the same provider for multiple functions.” She suggests forgoing Gmail if you regularly
use Google Search Engine. By doing so,
she claims you are less exposed.
Therefore, in the future, if Google was to leak their database of
personal information, you would be better protected.
Schools are
also working to promote student privacy and cyber safety. According to Nancy Willard, “The Children’s
Internet Protection Act requires that school districts develop an Internet
safety plan addressing the unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of
personal identification information regarding minors.” In compliance with this plan, schools are
instructed to consider specific issues. Student
records, e-mail, and student information are all confidential by
obligation. In addition, school web
sites cannot post information that violates the privacy of students or
parents. This act is helpful in
instigating and preventing, not only exploitation, but also lawsuits from
posting or publishing questionable or private information about their
students. Mandates like this one are
effective but still require personal measures by both students and teachers to
fully develop a secure online experience.
This act is only a step in the right direction.
Online
privacy and cyber safety are important concepts for anyone who plans on using
the Internet. Because of the number of
problems that arise from online use, society has taken preemptive
measures. There are obviously a number
of programs, services and practices which will help battle correlating
problems. However, while each solution
addresses an issue, e-sponsibility is such a broad topic that multiple measures
should be taken. By combining a number
of practices and habits, individuals will increase the effectiveness of any solution. Simply installing a firewall will not protect
an individual from exploitation of personal information. They must also practice good habits and not
provide these details. Therefore, it’s
important to remember that typically, an individual can take more measures in
addressing e-sponsibility. By practicing
good common sense and educating one’s self on the dangers and correlating
actions, one has already improved their online safety.
Murphy, Kate. “How to Muddy Your Tracks on the Internet”
<http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/03/technology/personaltech/how-to-muddy-your-tracks-on-the-internet.html>
New York Times. 2 May 2012. 20 March 2013
“Phishing Prevention – Guide on Phishing” <http://internet-safety-solutions.com/phishing-prevention.html>
Internet Safety Solutions. 20 March 2013.
Willard, Nancy. “Ensuring Student Privacy on the Internet”
<http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech120.shtml>
Education World. School Notes.com, 28 June 2002. 20 March 2013.
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