….before the spammers and virus makers got together. PC World speculates on whether the Sobig worm could be targeting antispam blocklists on behalf of the spammers.
Privacy
Invisible Surfing
By Tom Mighell on
Posted in Privacy
Consumer Web Watch features an interesting article on keeping your surfing private. The article discusses a number of ways to protect your anonymity, from utilities that “wash” your computer of your surfing habits, to anonymizers that allow you to explore the Internet without anyone discovering your identity.
The article spends a lot of time…
A cautionary tale
By Tom Mighell on
This article shows that if you don’t protect your computer from outside attack, you could be charged with child pornography.
Pardon me, but can I install spyware on your computer?
By Tom Mighell on
A new piece of legislation, the Safeguard Against Privacy Invasions Act, would require companies using spyware to get permission from computer users before installing the software on their machines. Yeah, right.
Gone phishing
By Tom Mighell on
Not me, but the FBI is warning that online identity theft (nicknamed “phishing”) is on the rise. With the recent outbreak of scam e-mails purportedly coming from reputable websites, it’s important to remember that these sites (eBay, Best Buy, PayPal, for example) are nevergoing to ask you for your…
Are you Net-Wise?
By Tom Mighell on
Today, Federal Trade Commission Commissioner Orson Swindle will announce the relaunch of GetNetWise, a site designed to provide consumers with the information they need to protect themselves and their families on the Internet.
I think it’s hilarious that the person in charge of protecting the U.S. consumers’ interests is named Swindle.
Have you registered?
By Tom Mighell on
Posted in Privacy
The National Do Not Call Registry opened for business yesterday, and it was promptly overwhelmed by eager registrants.
And if this Googling thing gets to you…
By Tom Mighell on
Posted in Privacy
Read Danny Sullivan’s article on Google and search privacy for some peace of mind.
Google = Big Brother?
By Tom Mighell on
Posted in Privacy, Search Engines
Danny Sullivan over at Search Engine Watch also has a nice article on Google, Yahoo, and privacy concerns. Those of you who use Google on a regular basis know that the search engine uses the PageRank technology to rank the popularity of web pages. Whenever you visit a website through Google search results, you…
Big Brother, er, Tivo is watching you
By Tom Mighell on
Posted in Privacy
Those of you who use Tivo know (or should know) that it records your actions while you’re watching television — what channels you visit as well as the recorded content you pause or rewind the most. In this article, Tivo reports on your Oscar-viewing behavior.