How to protect your privacy online

By Jay Dougherty Apr 12, 2010, 15:40 GMT

Washington - Is your privacy protected online?

Find out the answer to this question too late, and you could be facing some serious hassles: identity theft, compromised financial information, or simply dozens of annoyances coming through your inbox in the form of spam.

That's why the best way to ensure that your privacy is protected in cyberspace is to take precautionary steps beforehand. Here are a few.

--- Keep personal information personal

There are more opportunities than ever to give away personal information online ­ knowingly or inadvertently. Social networks, forums, blogs ­ all encourage interactivity. And, as you get comfortable with your online friends, it's tempting to reveal personal details.

Just remember that when you write something on a social website, its usually there for all to see. So be very careful about what information you divulge about yourself voluntarily.

How closely does your screen name or user name resemble your real name? Have you posted your age, location, or other identifying information on any web sites? In the course of conversing online, do you routinely drop details about yourself that someone with less than altruistic intentions could use to invade your privacy or compromise your security?

And how about members of your family? Do you have kids who might unwittingly be providing personal information about themselves, you, or your family?

All of the security software in the world wont protect your privacy if you or your loved ones arent careful with personal information online. Its a good idea to have a chat with family members about what information is and is not acceptable to divulge online to complete strangers.

--- Use good security software

Good security software can go a long way toward protecting you. And these days, this type of software does not have to cost you much, if anything.

Windows users have it easy. Microsoft's new Security Essentials (http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials) combines antivirus, anti spyware, and malware protection in one product. Even better, the tool is well rated by AV-Comparatives.org and free to registered Windows users.

Avira AntiVir Personal (http://www.free-av.com), also free, is another popular option. Both can protect you from websites that contain harmful code.

Mac users looking for a free security solution can try PC Tools iAntiVirus, which contains not only antivirus protection, but can also guard against infiltrations designed to allow hackers to access your files and personal information.

--- Use current web browsers

Aside from enhancing features, updates to the major web browsers invariably contain the latest technology designed to safeguard your data and your privacy - on multiple levels.

For instance, Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Chrome contain technology that will warn you if you stumble upon sites known to contain privacy-compromising threats.

They also now include 'private browsing' modes that make it easy for you to leave no tracks whatsoever regarding which websites you've visited - useful if you're sharing a computer, for example, and wish to keep the details of your browsing session away from prying eyes.

In short, don't stay stuck in the past with old browser technology. From a security standpoint, it just doesn't make sense.

--- Use disposable email addresses

Sometimes the best way to protect your privacy on the internet is to safeguard your main email address, for email can be a primary means to reach you and thereby to try to gain personal information.

One solution to this problem is to use so-called disposable email addresses - useful when you must hand out an email address to an unknown party, such as when you're registering for a forum or seeking access to a download. There are several disposable email address services online, including Mailinator (http://www.mailinator.com).

There's no registration or signup required to use Mailinator. All you do is make up an email address with '@mailinator.com' at the end, and you're done. You don't even need to visit the Mailinator site before making up the address.

If you need to check a confirmation email or response sent to your made-up Mailinator email address, you simply visit the Mailinator site, type your newly created email address into the Check Your Inbox! form on Mailinator, and you'll see any mail that was sent to your Mailinator email address.

If you need a temporary email address that allows you to respond to messages you receive, consider GuerillaMail (http://www.guerrillamail.com).

With GuerillaMail, you make up an email address on the GuerillaMail site, or you can have GuerillaMail automatically generate an email address for you. That address is then good for one hour.

When you receive an email message sent to your GuerillaMail account, it will show up on the main GuerillaMail home page. There will be 'show' and 'delete' links to the left of the messages. Clicking 'show' will reveal the entire message, along with a large Reply link at the bottom.

--- Do not reply to spammers

You may be so tired of receiving spam that you would like nothing more than to respond to the latest unsolicited message, giving the sender a piece of your mind. Don't do it. Responding to spam tells the spammer you exist, which will make it that much more difficult to rid your inbox of unwanted email.

Also, under no circumstances should you click any links embedded in an unsolicited e-mail message or open any files attached to one. Either action could introduce spyware onto your computer that can potentially compromise your privacy.

If you don't get a lot of spam, just delete it. Otherwise, use a reputable anti-spam filter. Good programmes include Cloudmark Desktop (http://www.cloudmark.com/desktop) and Vanquish vqME (https://www.vqme.com/pk/index).

The bottom line when it comes to protecting your privacy online is this: combine common sense, know-how, and a few choice security tools, and you'll probably be safer online than in the real world.