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Are They Watching You Online? - by Jim Edwards (c) Jim Edwards - All Rights reserved ===================================== When surfing the Internet you probably take your anonymity forgranted, most of us do. Tapping phones, listening to confidential conversations, readingothers' e-mail messages seems like something that only happens inspy movies to "other" people. However, you probably don't realize just how much information aboutyourself has the potential to get transmitted across the Internetevery time you go online. Every computer connected to the Internet has "ports" that allow itto connect. A "port" doesn't mean you have a physical hole oropening in your computer's case or hardware, but it does mean youhave openings through which information passes back and forthbetween your computer and the Internet. Depending on the type of connection (dial up, LAN, cable, DSL), youmay have several openings for potential mischief by hackers,malicious code or viruses. Computers with dedicated connections rate the most at risk. Ifsomeone or something gets into one of these ports and into yourcomputer, they can potentially watch everything you do and see allthe data you enter, including social security numbers and creditcard information. The easiest way to defeat this problem involves using a firewall.Firewalls, simple and inexpensive software available at virtuallyany office supply or computer store, block the most common portshackers use to enter your computer. Firewalls also help you detect and block unauthorized transmissionof information from your computer to the Internet. This adds asignificant measure of protection if you get infected with a TrojanHorse virus that tries to "phone home" to the hacker with yoursensitive information. If you'd like to test your connection for vulnerability to attack,log on to http://security1.norton.com and run the variousdiagnostics. I would strongly advise anyone connected to theInternet through DSL or cable to get and use a firewall to protectagainst unauthorized access. Infected with "Spyware?" Previously we talked about unauthorized access to your computer. Buta growing problem online with people watching you and youractivities involves using programs you willingly place on yourcomputer. Commonly called "Spyware," this refers to any program that transmitsinformation about you to someone else without you knowing exactlywhat gets sent. The main purpose of Spyware involves tracking yoursurfing habits so advertisers know which targeted ads to send you. Most Spyware basically comes onto your computer bundled with othersoftware applications, as a standalone program, or as modificationto the HTML on a web page. Regardless of how you get it, you need to understand exactly whatinformation gets transmitted about you so you can decide whether tokeep or uninstall the software. Plain and simple, these Spywareprograms can potentially reveal extremely sensitive informationabout you and your online habits. If you have concerns about Spyware and whether or not your computercurrently carries any, log on to www.lavasoft.de and check out thefree PC software that will scan your system for known Spyware. ---- Jim Edwards is a syndicated newspaper columnist and the co-author ofan amazing new ebook that will teach you how to use free articles toquickly drive thousands of targeted visitors to your website oraffiliate links... -=-=-==-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-Need MORE TRAFFIC to your website or affiliate links? "Turn Words Into Traffic" reveals the secrets for drivingThousands of NEW visitors to your website or affiliatelinks... without spending a dime on advertising! Click Here
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