Internet privacy is cause for concern for any user planning to make an online purchase, visit a social networking site, participate in online games or attend forums. If a password is compromised and revealed, a victim’s identity may be fraudulently used or stolen.
Internet privacy risks include:
- Phishing: An Internet hacking activity used to steal secure user data, including username, password, bank account number, security PIN or credit card number.
- Pharming: An Internet hacking activity used to redirect a legitimate website visitor to a different IP address.
- Spyware: An offline application that obtains data without a user’s consent. When the computer is online, previously acquired data is sent to the spyware source.
- Malware: An application used to illegally damage online and offline computer users through Trojans, viruses and spyware.
Cyber security, phishing, worms, firewalls, Trojan horses, hackers, and viruses seem to be in the news every day. Plus warnings to update your virus protection, watch out for online scams, protect your privacy, and watch what you click on are everywhere. But what does it all mean? And what can you do to safeguard access to your computer and to protect yourself and your family? What is this all about?
The above conflict raises so many Socio Legal issues like:
What is the value of my privacy?
Which Online Activities Reveal My Personal Information?
How can I protect my privacy from state and even non state parties?
This week’s #PINternetFreedom chat taking place tomorrow (Thursday, 15th January, 2015) will explore these issues in great details, as well as provide the opportunity to interact with our guest Nana Nwachukwu at 2pm.
Nana Nwachukwu (@PUREHAIRE) is an IP/IT Lawyer with an interest in emerging technologies, she is the current African Representative of ItechLaw Association. A world organisation of Technology/Communication/IP lawyers. Nana does a lot of things in her spare time.