Date post: | 25-Jun-2015 |
Category: |
Technology |
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Understanding Privacy on Social Media and the
Internet
By Christian Deschenes
Not So Private
• Reports of the NSA copying millions of faces a day for their facial recognition software
• Facebook’s “Digital Shadow” claims to know who you really are by colleting all of your data
• Soon to be personalized advertising that takes your top two best friends on social media and combining them as a personalized target advertiser for the customer
• Malls/Companies are reportedly collecting location info. on where users searched for WiFi when shopping
Tools to Obtain Online Privacy
• Encrypt, Encrypt, Encrypt!
• Choosing a Correct Browser
• Disabling Online Tracking
• Setting Smart Phone Preferences
• Understanding Social Media Privacy Settings
• Update Software, Programs, and Apps as much as possible
What is Encryption?
• Form of cryptography
• Scrambles data into algorithms
• Once data is scrambled, a wide range of possible items blend in data
• User’s with valid access have a “key” to obtaining the encrypted data
What to Encrypt?
• Browser
• Text Messaging
• Cloud Data
• Computer/Smart Phone Hard Drive
• Whatever else you use (if available)
Encrypting your Browser
Using a site like: HTTPS Everywhere • Creates protection from spyware and hackers who
track data online• Easy to install/use• Always nice that it’s Free
Text Message Encryption
• For iPhone users, use apps like Wikr and Silent Circle
• For Android users, try TextSecure for encrypted texting
• Only downfall is trying to get other friends to use it!
How to Encrypt the Cloud
• Using software like: SpiderOak can encrypt data on the cloud
• Protected even if company is somehow breached (by hackers/malware)
• Only user has the “key” to their data on the cloud
Encrypting Hard Drives
• For Apple Macintosh use default program:• “FileVault”
• For Microsoft Windows use default program:• “BitLocker”
• For other generic Hard Drive encryption use:• “TrueCrypt”
• Encrypt your smartphone hard drive (if possible)• Really no way on an iPhone
Other Encryptions
• Encrypt email (if possible)• Use: Gnu Privacy Guard • Can’t fully encrypt
yahoo or gmail yet
• Encrypt your Instant Messaging Program!• Mac: Adium • Windows: Pidgin
Choosing a Browser with great Privacy Settings
• Mozilla Firefox most likely has the best privacy settings
• Reviews add-ons before installation to help prevent spyware and hackers
• Really user friendly, quick install and clear privacy policies
• Clearly and Accurately informs users of their data collection
Disabling Cookies
• Cookies are programs that gather info. about a user
• Cookies allow a web site to store information and later retrieve it
• Seems like a complete invasion of privacy
Be ‘Smart’ with your Smart Phone
• “Free” WiFi isn’t so free when the companies offering it is tracking your usage
• Those free/addicting games are so fun when you realize that these companies are completely recording your data
• Be sure to understand apps privacy settings before installation
Understanding Social Media’s Privacy Settings
• Make sure to set your profile on private! • It will only allow accepted friends to view a
user’s profile
• In today’s world it’s becoming more and more important to watch what you say and post on social media, even previously posted items• A program called “Simplewash” completely
reviews all the data that a user has posted on social media
Keeping Programs and Apps Updated
• Hackers feast on old software
• Once one hacker is in, it is available to all of them
• Be sure to regularly check software for updates
Quick Tips:
• Change the personal name of your smart phone and devices, so data miners won’t be able to put your name with a location just from your device’s title
• Be smart with your passwords, don’t use the same password for everything, and make sure to not use public info. for security questions
• Turn phone on Airplane mode when playing “free” games to avoid tracking
• Use multiple email addresses to separate advertising and personal data
• Make sure location services are turned off on your smart phone also to avoid tracking
The End
Sources:• http://www.propublica.org/article/privacy-tools-
encrypt-what-you-can• http
://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/07/technology/personaltech/protecting-your-privacy-on-the-new-facebook.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
• http://computer.howstuffworks.com/cookie1.htm
• https://ironsocket.com/blog/7-quick-tips-for-protecting-your-online-privacy/