In order to improve internet privacy protection, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued its latest proposals in the hope of raising consumer protection to a new level. Without oppressing innovation on the internet, consumers can be given more protection. The FTC’s proposals contain innovative functions such as “do not track” and several others.

Consumers have long been complaining that their online activities are tracked by the use of “cookies”. Websites send cookies to the consumer’s computer to make it easy for data miners to simply know their online choices. The information that is being gathered is used by companies to target specific products and services to online consumers. It is not easy for consumers to defend themselves because most of them do not know how to disable cookies. They really have to struggle to find the browser’s privacy settings so that they can opt out of cookies. Even to the experienced user, this is not easily done.

It cannot be denied that some consumers might gain from data mining, particularly those who shop online. Discounts and other offers may be available if they wish to purchase the same item again. While some consumers welcome these targeted advertisement benefits, others find them annoying and intimidating to their privacy. That is why authorities are constantly trying to find ways to guard consumers from these unwanted ads. Read Full Article

There is a recent security threat that has stirred concerns among smart phone users. A video was posted by Trevor Eckhart, a security researcher, which gave details of some installed hidden software. It was shown as being able to log numerous details about most of the user’s activities. Specifically, the software known as Carrier IQ, logs all text messages, Google searches and phone numbers typed in by the user. This gathered information is then reported to the mobile phone carrier. Aside from this, the software is capable of logging the URL of websites searched by the phone owner, even if he or she intends to use encrypted data using “https” URLs.

Many mobile devices today that have Android operating systems come with the software installed by default. Eckhart said that it runs in the background unnoticed or without the user’s knowledge. But even if the user becomes aware of it, the software cannot be stopped, added the researcher. He called the software a “rootkit”, which is software that is often used in malware.

Much more has been discovered about Carrier IQ when the researcher was able to get hold of the training materials posted on the software’s website. He was very quick to think that the company might take the files offline, so he copied the training materials. He was right in his belief because these files became unavailable, which was done not long after he posted his analysis. Read Full Article

The world seems to always be interested in everyone’s privacy. There are many privacy issues that crop up, and people are apt to lose this one essential part of their lives. Today, there are other areas that have summonsed the interest of privacy advocates. Shopping cards have just become an addition to the list of items that pose privacy risks.

For quite some time, rumors have spread that supermarkets are collecting a wealth of data via electronic shopper cards, or e-cards. This collected information is used to link with other biometric technology. With just a little data processing, a person’s in-depth, personal database could be formed. This can all take place without the permission or knowledge of the person concerned.

You might ask how these shopping cards got onto the list of items that pose privacy risks. Investigations were conducted to find out how stores can tempt people into using their cards. Card experts say that e-cards do not have the big advantage of giving savings benefits to shoppers. They do not get real savings because the prices of the items that are included in the “deals” are, in fact, higher. Read Full Article

It is a must for parents to be always one step ahead of their kids with technology. They should do this in order to make sure that their children stay safe and secure online. At school, phones and other web enabled devices are being used by children to cheat on tests. Teachers have to neutralize this negative behavior among children, who get around school rules and regulations. Kids who are more “advanced” teach other children how to get around filters on school computers. If teachers do not keep themselves updated with technology, this behavior would remain unnoticed and unchecked.

Parents should be in the forefront of being involved with their children’s online activities. Different gadgets enable children to get connected online anytime, even in the privacy of their own bedrooms. A lot of things may happen if they are just left on their own. These tech gadgets could become agents of cyber bullying, cyber sex, identity theft, and other things. As parents, there is no substitute to having a thorough understanding of what kind of technology your kids bring home.

When a child asks for a new device, game, or phone, parents should be ready to learn about it. This is not about whether parents can afford to buy it or not. Before buying the gadget, they should speak with the child. They should be specific in asking about what the device can do. This is to give them an idea about the device and have a “feel” for it. This will help them to decide whether it would be safe to let their child have it. Learning more about the device online or at the store will also be a big help. Read Full Article

Day after day, new internet technology is being developed in order to improve the online experiences of users. Webcams and microphones are always there to make online communications complete with audio and video, and users enjoy every new feature that is being introduced to them, whether for free or for a fee. Social networking gives people the chance to share their thoughts, likes and dislikes.

Unfortunately, online criminals are always aware, looking for ways of how to use these new tools to their advantage. Legitimate programs and features are now under attack by these crooks under the guise of similar helpful tools. The recently launched attack by criminals is called “clickjacking” or, in technical terms, known as user interface (UI) redressing. It is a kind of trick that discretely lures users to initiate some unwanted actions.

One good example is Facebook’s Like and Share features. These two buttons are made transparent and superimposed over legitimate looking pages. Thinking that the page is “real”, users are tricked into clicking on those buttons. Unknowingly, what they are doing was actually “liking” rogue pages or posting spam on their walls. Another strategy that criminals employ is using invisible iframes where users are tricked into clicking some buttons that enable access to their webcams and microphones. An incident of this sort happened sometime in 2006 and was called the “webcam spying attack”. Now this one is more serious because it could produce devastating results. Read Full Article

Is it still unusual to hear a case of identity theft committed by a “desperate” woman just to get even with her ex-boyfriend? There is another impersonation case that has almost succeeded in ruining a person’s image online. A woman created a fake Facebook page using her ex-boyfriend’s name, photo and some personal information. To accomplish her goal, she posted inflammatory comments, and a judge ruled that she can be prosecuted for identity theft. Although not new, this is yet another reason to further think about the case’s wider implications for cyber speech.

The woman stole the identity of her ex-boyfriend, who was a police narcotics detective. The self-destructive posts appeared to be made by him and everything seemed real. One of the comments made was about him being “high all the time”. The rest of the comments were about his admittance of his illicit activities such as frequenting prostitutes and escort services, and that he had herpes.

Such cases of identity theft are always done to get a benefit for one’s own self or to injure or take advantage of another. Issues of online impersonation and cyber bullying first came out of a famous case in 2006. A 13-year-old girl committed suicide because she was targeted online by a fictitious 13-year old boy. Investigations in the case turned out that the “boy” was in reality the mother of another teenage girl. Read Full Article

To effectively deter organized crime syndicates, the Philippines needs to take fast action on the approval of its cyber crime laws. As disclosed by a top Philippine National Police (PNP) officer, the country appears to be the preferred haven for these kinds of criminals. To date, these groups are taking part in cyber pornography, illegal online gambling, cyber sex dens, credit card fraud, and identity theft. The official added that cyber criminals benefit over the “weak laws and poor technical know-how of law enforcers”.

Reports have it that cyber crime mafias who come from other countries are steadily making the Philippines their base of operations. The top official admitted that the PNP at present is not yet organizationally and technically equipped to fight cyber crimes. While law enforcers fall short in terms of training and equipment, syndicates use sophisticated technology. To bridge the gap, he said he has asked for support for an immediate organizational and technical capability build-up.

The capture of a foreign national hacker in the country uncovered the extensive network of cyber crime. Mafias were found working behind the workings of illegal online gambling and credit card scam activities there. For quite some time, the operations of these groups seem unimpeded as evidenced by the fast growth of their connections. Read Full Article

As the Christmas season approaches, so does the time for holiday shopping. This is the time of year that retailers find the most profitable. Needless to say, this also becomes the most opportune time for identity thieves to make a maximum profit. Here are some tips to help you stay away from these thieves so that they do not enjoy the holidays at your expense.

When paying at the counter, beware of skimming. This happens when the store clerk takes your card and swipes it through a device. This process copies the information from the card’s magnetic strip, and the thief will have your information. Obviously, purchases can then be made using your card. You might not have noticed this because you thought it was just the credit card reader.

Compared with debit cards, credit cards have more protection associated with them. When using a credit card, it is safer to use the same card for all of your holiday transactions. This makes it easier for you to track your purchases and to find out if there are any suspicious activities. The best thing to do, of course, is to use cash because cash does not have any of your identifying information. Read Full Article

Social networking sites have never run out of ideas for new features and services. Employing their own strategies, each one hopes to improve the online experiences of their users. There have been a number of times when some of these sites were affected by issues that were mostly about privacy and safety. The more widely known sites like Facebook, Twitter and Google+1 have not been spared from some controversies. There are no strict limitations as to who can make friends with whom, regardless of age.

There is now a social networking site that is attracting teens and it is gaining popularity. It is called MyYearbook and it was intended for teens, ages 13 and up, who wanted to meet online friends. It was originally created in 2005 by high school students David Cook and his sister Catherine. The two asked the help of their older brother, Geoff to help them with their project. MyYearbook was launched at Montgomery High School, where they were students. Read Full Article

In the United States, there is a move to revise the online privacy rule for children to encompass those aged 13 to 17. This proposal ignited debates during hearings in Congress as the House is divided in its stand on whether or not to include teenagers. The present nature of the law gives the parents of children under the age of 13 the right to decide what information about their children can be collected by websites. Revising the law would also empower parents of children over the age of 13 to decide what information can be collected from this age group.

Advocates of the proposed revision say that there is truly a need to support it. They say that teenagers today are not mature enough to judge and be conscious of the dark side of the internet. They contend that children are becoming more and more technologically skilled. This allows them to easily deal with the fast changing technology. The thing is, they are not mature enough to self-regulate and keep in pace with these new developments. This can cause privacy problems, thus the need to increase the age group of online privacy laws that are set up to protect children.

Websites and other providers must be able to get verifiable permission from parents before they can collect information from children. This means that the consent must be confirmed as to have been given by parents. The new consent would use more sophisticated verification mechanisms. These would be video-conferencing and electronic scans of signed consent forms. Without either or both of these, no website can gather, use, or reveal personal information of children. Read Full Article