Today, more and more information about a person’s daily computer activities is collected and stored in databases. Data is collected about items purchased online. When someone uses a credit card or membership card, information about the purchase may be collected as well. The fact that the information is being collected is not necessarily a concern, but what happens to that collected information does present some unique questions.

When you browse the Internet and visit a Website, a small text file (or cookie) may be installed on your computer. A cookie will store information about how you use the site. This in­formation might be general information about your computer, such as the IP address, or it might be more specific information, such as the last time you visited a particular Website. Most cookies are harmless and are used to remember information so that your next visit to the site will be more productive or tailored to your needs. For example, if you visit a Website for a book seller, information about the type of books you view or purchase may be recorded. The next time you visit that site, a list of recommended books that relate to the same topics may be presented to you.

There are programs similar to a cookie that work in a malicious way.  Spyware is a software program that runs on a computer without the permission of its user to gather per­sonal information, often through an Internet connection. Unlike viruses and worms, spyware does not self-replicate. Instead, the goal of spy­ware is to exploit infected computers for com­mercial gain. Most spyware is installed without the user’s knowledge. It can be hidden in a piece of desirable software (such as shareware or music CDs), installed through trickery (like a Trojan horse), or installed through security holes in a Web browser or other software. The infor­mation gathered by spyware, such as email addresses or credit card numbers, is transmitted in the background to someone who may use it for illegal purposes.

Adware is also software that runs on a computer without the owner’s consent. Instead of taking information from the user, this software typically runs in the background and displays random or targeted pop-up ad­vertisements. In many cases, the ad slows the computer down, and it may also cause software conflicts.

Privacy solutions

With increased use of the Internet, email in­stant messaging, and e-commerce, a new cate­gory of software has evolved. Privacy software was developed to protect the privacy of its users. One way to protect information is through encryption which is a method of scrambling data or email messages so that they are unread­able if intercepted by an unauthorized user. An encrypted document is scrambled and remains unreadable until received and decrypted or unscrambled. Data, files, instant messages, and email can all be encrypted before they are sent over the Internet. Websites also use encryption so that sensitive data (such as identification numbers or credit card numbers) are protected as they travel over the Internet.

As described under security solutions, a firewall can protect information stored on a computer. Firewalls can protect the security and privacy of personal information.  A firewall however, does not protect against the installation of malicious programs like spyware.  Nor does it prevent security threats such as viruses, worms or Trojan horses from infecting your computer.  The best way to avoid threats of spyware is to prevent it from being installed on your computer.

• Do not click on links within pop-up windows or within the window itself. To close a pop-up window, click the Close button for the window.
• Choose No or Cancel when asked any unexpected questions while browsing.
• Be wary of free downloadable software. You may be exposing your computer to spyware by downloading free programs.
• Do not follow email links claiming to offer anti-spyware software. Like email viruses, the links may serve the opposite purpose and actually install the spyware they claim to be eliminating.

Even with diligent efforts, spyware can be installed without your knowledge.  When that happens, you need to find ways to remove it.  Because some antivirus programs are able to locate and remove spyware programs, running antivirus programs on a regular basis is important.  Antivirus programs do not find all instances of spyware.  Therefore, you should install anti-spyware software and use it regularly to scan your computer.  This software may be more effective than your antivirus program in finding and deleting spyware.

Conducting business online and connecting to networks can improve productivity.  The benefits of working online come with risks.  Do research to make sure that the Websites you are visiting are secure.  Secure Websites use firewalls, incorporate data encryption software and may also use password protection.