Posts Tagged ‘identity theft’

If Companies Have Been Tracking You, Is Anyone Keeping Track of Them or What They Do

August 26th, 2011 by William Edward Mason

Weary of those bothersome advertisings that immediately pop up on your screen? Do you wish for more freedom and safety every time you surf the net? Do you desire a superior way of opting out of electronic tracking? Finally, privacy and security on the world wide web is now better and simpler.

For quite a long time, debates have been centered on how consumers will enjoy more freedom from electronic tracking. Regulators have, for a long time, pressured internet companies to incorporate these features in their browsers. In the end Google and Mozilla acted positively on this. They have just announced that their browsers would include features that would permit opting out of tracking. Now, people can decide how they would behave on the web. One can now stay permanently out of the internet monitoring system. Numerous advertisers and data profilers used to follow web-based behavior. From this they can build profiles and deliver tailored advertisements to target consumers.

Large online advertisers and data trackers including Google and Yahoo initiated this move. They would now permit users to easily opt out of tracking on their sites. It used to be that opting out was somewhat difficult and more demanding. Microsoft’s Internet Explorer would add a feature where consumers could intentionally block monitoring efforts.

Because not all consumers are aware that they could be tracked on the internet they have to be educated. This feature is now incorporated in lots of net browsers. The choice is given to the consumer whether he allows his activities to be tracked or not. But there is an added point that must be given thought. It is the user-friendliness of this feature. Numerous users would not bother to make use of features that they find difficulty using. Two of the most important criteria should be clarity and simplicity.

To protect online privacy, the Federal Trade Commission has suggested ways sometime last year. There are clear and simple ways of opting out of data monitoring that consumers can make use of. This has somehow stirred these Internet firms to improve their internet based privacy and security conditions. This of course is with the guarantee that their businesses would be affected favorably.

There are some loopholes that Congress has to fill in. There can be a disagreement between Internet companies having their specific goals and consumers having their individual wishes too. Congress should at least have a hand in closing this void. For one, it can oblige all advertising and tracking businesses to value privacy.

Online tracking is a very real problem. One way to stop web monitoring is to use a Proxy to foil websites from tracking you.

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Going from listening to writing to film to the Internet, Beware!

August 3rd, 2011 by Joanne Rapfield

The most important and definitive part of being a human is by far our strong powers of communication. We can speak so deeply and with such feeling that we are unrivaled by any other species. One might contend that dogs, cats, and other household pets can speak and talk to one another, certainly not to the depth that man can. On top of this, our dominance over any other species’ capacity to communicate comes in our multitudes of ways to express. We can simply share a look and understand a request, we can gesture with our hands, we can look with the eyes, or simply state with heartfelt words. Technology fits two forms extremely well: audio and visual. As it happens, these two types are the true product of the human condition. With these two options and a strong technological backing, we can spread our messages all without even physically being there.

Audio communication is imperative in humans. This is what keeps the world turning. The president speaks to us through eloquent speeches, and the employer tells us our daily duties. Without the spoken word, all of our carefully constructed infrastructure would disappear. While the voice is primarily used for commanding purposes, it can also be used for a simple communication. Think about all of the songs out there: the instrumentals set the mood of the piece, but the word choice shows the true meaning and message of the song. Bands used to have to be present to sing someone a song, but with the power of the Internet, no longer. Musicians now simply record their music to a computer’s hard drive, and from there can share it with the world. Bands whom people have never even seen before can be singing and playing to them through their computer’s speakers.

While the voice and spoken word are important, the epitome of man’s existence is based upon the eyes. Our pre-historic ancestors gave us this awesome power of visual tool as a survival tool. Seeing as our society generally has to no longer watch out for careening carnivores or identify predators, sight has become much more enjoyable. The survival instinct is still there though. When you see someone with a weapon, you instantly feel the inborn fight or flight reflex. Mostly though, our sense of sight has been for pleasure. Technology has allowed it to be even better too: instead of reading a paperback book anymore, you can simply gaze at a computer monitor. Instead of having to make the long trek out to a relative’s home to see them, you can now just visit their FaceBook or MySpace page. From here you can type the messages and have their replies sent right back conveniently to your page.

Both of these types of communication are important to human interaction with others, whether on the Internet or in real life. Again, technology expedites these messages by allowing them to be sent to a massive amount of people at once, and without physical contact. It all sounds good and dandy, but as with all good things, it is too good to be true. Some people have corrupted the Internet, and these self-termed “hackers” go about breaking into people’s computers. Once inside they can steal, destroy, or alter documents. This can put you in a bad position. If they altered a document in a bad way and called it yours, you could be blamed for their actions. These annoying criminals are the bringers and doers of identity theft, and the ones you see State Farm trying to protect you from.

Not getting caught, that is why hackers are lured to their criminal deeds. They have an advantage over the average criminal, and scarily enough, they truly leave nothing behind. It is almost impossible to catch a hacker whether it is in the act or after the fact. Once they are in your computer, they can do pretty much anything. They can take files and use them to their advantage, or simply implant a virus. Suddenly enough, and with little knowledge, you could find yourself a victim of identity theft. Don’t fall victim to a common misconception: your virus protector is not enough to protect yourself. Be careful online; it can be a great tool, but dangerous as well.

This is why people use an IP changer program to change their IP address. By altering their IP address, it makes it harder for hackers to locate you. This does not solve the problem of people that give their personal information online. But it can provide another layer of protection.

Please click on the link for additional information on how to stay safe on the Internet and for a free trial of our Anonymous Proxy software. Still not sure, read what one of our customers said about us in their Anonymous Proxy Review. It’s up to you to protect yourself on the Internet. Start Today!

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Tips To Eliminate Identity Theft and How To Protect Yourself On The Net

July 18th, 2011 by Martin Clamson

Identity theft has been plaguing the Internet. People are worried about how they can protect themselves from this menace. While some technologically skilled internet users could by themselves hit upon methods to do so, several would still depend on specialists for guidance. Basic Internet surfers are constantly in peril of losing their identity. This outcome to various possibilities of troubles that could be prevented only if they understood how to safeguard themselves.

One expert in this area is Darrell West, vice president and director of both Governance Studies and the Center for Technology Innovation in Washington. He has given advice to people about how they can protect themselves in the digital world. He has additionally written materials on subjects concerning political, policy and legal problems brought about by digital technology.

He has listed a few of the plausible ways to maintain online security. The user should observe “choosing non-obvious passwords” and employing unlike passwords for different accounts. One should steer clear of using his or her partner’s name, date of birth, place of origin, and other evident personal data. Noticeably, this data is now uploaded to social networking or other communal sites. Data miners could plainly accomplish a number of tricks and they could steal one’s identity.

Ahead of trusting a website, West advises that one should first read its online privacy procedures. Try to learn whether or how that website will make use of information. Pay attention to how cookies will be utilized for tracing customers and what the company does with the feedback. Learn whether or not the company sells information to a third party. A trusted site should have a very durable privacy policy that safeguards consumer interests.

Consumers can also protect themselves against companies that mine data from users’ browsing history. Cookies are the tools used by many sites to trail Internet browsing history. One shouldn’t allow cookies when prompted by these sites. A more efficient way of doing this is to go into the tool history of the Internet browser and obliterate cookie tracking. It is also suggested that one should utilize the most up-to-date version of an Internet browser.

In regards to Internet privacy laws, West advises that law makers should revise the rules which are no longer applicable or are out-of-date. Some laws were written before the creation of the Internet, even before that of social media and other new digital platforms. It would be less difficult for law enforcement to patrol the digital world and defend people against identity theft with reorganized laws.

Another way to defend yourself online is to surf with an IP Changer to change your IP address so that you won’t be tracked on the Internet. Start protecting yourself now and sign up for our trial offer!

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Do Short Term Cash Advances Really Help?

July 9th, 2011 by Owen Jones

Cash advances, popular now because of the economic downturn and long formalities and conditions necessary to secure traditional loans, have proved convenient whilst other methods prove futile in an emergency situation where friends, family and banks are unable to help.

Known by several names such as a cash loan, a payday advance and others, it is worth noting that cash advances or payday loans are, in some emergencies like sudden illness in the family or accidents, the easiest way to secure cash and avoid stress.

They provide immediate cash to pay for hospital treatment and home repairs before recovering the money from the insurance firm. With a range of online sites competing with one other to provide great offers to attract customers, it is possible to acquire cash quickly with just a few clicks online.

Applying for cash advances makes sense considering that they are the easiest places to get cash when unforeseen emergencies have to be met. When your next paycheck is still a couple weeks away, it is the easiest manner to get cash quickly with the least amount of formality and investigation into your long tem credit history. When the online application form has been filled out and approval has been given, you could get money deposited in your account within a very short time.

Cash advances are not long term financial obligations, but a blessing in disguise for unforeseen expenses and you can easily pay off the loan taken out on your next payday. Being loans or advances for a short period, often even just a week or 15 days in case of weekly and bi-monthly pay cheques, these advances have greatly contributed to easy money management.

As a third point regarding the desirability of cash advances, it is worthwhile to note that the interest paid on these advances is minimal and stops on repayment of the loan. This is a definite advantage over loans from banks that charge interest for a fixed length of time.

In addition, the interest rate is calculated for this period and the absolute amount to become repaid is split into equal amounts in periodic installments. In addition, banks do not allow flexible payment options and it is obligatory to pay interest for the whole term of the loan.

You also need cash advances rather than traditional loans because extremely regulated cash advances do not carry hidden costs and are highly transparent. It is also mandatory for online companies disbursing cash advances to follow the government laws that control disbursement of unsecured loans and disclose all knowledge. This would unquestionably give you a clear idea of all fees and other charges incurred.

It is best to comprehend that cash advances are very short term loans of a maximum of 30 days or so and so are much easier to manage than loans from banks that are repaid during a longer period, of, say, two to three years. The transparency of cash advances that is desired by law makes you aware of the total interest to get paid even before signing the agreement.

Knowing in advance assists you prepare for your financial obligation. This proves to be a immense advantage over long-term loans that need the budgeting of your monthly expenses to take account of your extra financial responsibility each month. This course of action is time consuming and tedious.

Do you still have hesitations about cash advances?

If you are interested in Emergency Payday Loans, please visit our web site called Pay Day Advance Loans

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So You Need To Keep All Private Information To Yourself

June 6th, 2011 by Joanne Rapfield

Microsoft was first to announce its opt-out technology for users of the internet. Now, Google and Mozilla have also taken concrete steps to give users the freedom of opting out of tracking cookies. Google will also improve its Chrome browser by providing an add-on. Users will soon be free from tracking cookies that monitor their movement and online behavior. From now on, tech companies will find ways to establish a balance between revenue generation and individual privacy protection.

The online advertising industry is continuously pushing for self-regulation. For a long time, they did not show positive response towards the call to give users more privacy. There have been numerous proposals for better privacy policies that protect individual privacy, and this current development will be a turnaround for users to gain more control over their personal information.

Many users just give out their personal information without being concerned of the possible consequences. They have not made it a point to read and grasp the site’s privacy policies. Others find it bothersome to go through the litany of legal terms, so they just accept the terms as they are presented. They only start to realize their mistake once unsolicited advertisements start to pop up on their screen.

Tech companies have not given up their revenue generation strategies. They still hold on to the idea that advertising fuels the web. They describe their move as meeting halfway between privacy and revenue generation through advertising. Some privacy experts see this as a marginal improvement, but acknowledge this is just the start of a better discussion on privacy.

Google’s Keep My Opt-Outs extension can be downloaded from the Chrome Web Store for free. It has features that will give users major control over their own data. Mozilla wants to soon follow with the release of a comparable tool for Firefox. The distinction is that Mozilla will base it on the Do Not Track HTTP header. Mozilla has yet to reveal the exact date for the technology to be integrated with its Firefox browser.

It could be seen that the three giant tech companies are using different approaches in their privacy tools. However, all of these are efforts at giving more privacy to internet users. It is too early to tell which among the three approaches will rule, or which one will turn out to be ineffective. Being open to discussion on privacy concerns is one good thing that is indicated by this development. Added developments can be anticipated in the remaining days of 2011. Consumers can anticipate a more reliable protection of their personal information.

So how do you make sure that all private data stays private online? Use an anonymous proxy to hide your IP address and defend your Internet identity.

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Online Behavioral Monitoring Can Keep A Log Of Everything You Do On The Web – Do You Worry Or Not Or Not

May 22nd, 2011 by Andrew Virender

Very important information is collected from users through online tracking. A significant amount of data gathered could be used by companies that do target advertising and strategic marketing approaches could surely enhance revenues of these companies. In the past, data compilation was done through surveys of readers’ preferences and applications. Online tracking as a marketing “tool” evolved as modern technology developed and grew. Today, marketing firms easily accumulate data by just keeping an “eye” on a user’s online behavior.

In its earlier days, online data collection from users seemed innocent. Privacy issues began to emerge as more and more internet marketing companies made use of such strategies. Keeping privacy on the web became more and more complicated. A user’s online behavior is left unguarded, making him or her “target” for internet advertising companies. Claims of unlawful intrusiveness by internet data gradually became commonplace. Users questioned whether such techniques could be considered legal. Others contend that such procedures are violations of individual privacy.

User data that is uploaded holds so much important information with enormous marketing potentials. As a whole, these contain the user’s data and those of his or her friends, linkages, locations, and influences. With some transformations, these could tell not only what the individual user wants but also the wants of his or her friends. Abuse of personal data becomes a never ending risk.

User information is collected by placing cookies on the computers of users who visit the website. The use of cookies is common. In one report, it is said that out of the 100 most popular websites examined, more than 50 percent used cookies. Cookies make internet use simpler, especially for those sites that are regularly visited by the user. Cookies help in saving individual user preferences so he or she does not have to go through a repetitive process.

The stand of the Federal Trade Commission is that behavioral marketing should be self-regulated in order to avoid privacy violation claims. It requires that website owners should not fail to disclose behavioral targeting approaches in a clear and conspicuous manner. There were some website owners who were prosecuted due to violations of Section 5(a) of the Federal Trade Commission Act.

If you are at all concerned about your online identity or your Internet privacy, you should consider using an Anonymous Proxy to defend yourself from Internet behavioral tracking. Try our PrivateProxy for free and start defending yourself today!

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Pay Day Emergency Loans

May 7th, 2011 by Owen Jones

You simply cannot predict an emergency, can you? That is the problem with emergencies. You can have insurance and you can have great friends and family, but if they cannot help as and when you need it, you are on your own again. Then what occurs if you require cash all of a sudden?

Recently, a friend of mine went down to the bank after work to draw money from the ATM with his cash card as he had done for years. He put the card in, entered his PIN and whir, whir, whir: “Please contact the branch that issued your cash card”. He knew there was money in the account and he was sure he had put the PIN in correctly, but it was a pain. No money and he would have to get an hour off work.

This he did and went to the bank, where he was told that his account was blocked due to a suspected attempt at identity theft. He was told that there would be a short inquiry of probably five working days, which meant no money for a week.

What do you do? What are the options? Friends, family? He did not want to admit to them that he had no money, so the only alternative accessible to him as he saw it was an emergency payday loan.

His account would be reinstated eventually, there was no question about that and he had all the usual insurance, but none of them could help him here. He had simply fallen through the support net that he had created for himself.

Lots of individuals do not have such a support net anyway and many individuals do not have any savings either. Savings and insurance are frequently the first victims of a recession, which is one of the reasons for the rising popularity of payday loans.

However, it is vital to read the terms and conditions and make sure that you will be able to abide by them or you might find that you have made a rod for your own back by accepting a payday loan.

The first conditions are normally that the applicant is of legal age, in stable employment and earning over a thousand a month. Occasionally you need to have a bank account as well (so make sure that you always have at least two in two different banks).

Anyone who meets the criteria will probably be successful. The money is accessible instantly, but it depends on how much is asked for. The usual range is 100 – 1,500 and the repayment will normally fall due within twenty-eight days. The interest rate, including charges, is horrendous, often at 30% or more, but to be fair, most of it is a charge, after all it costs equally as much to have an administrator approve a payday loan for 100 as it does for a payday loan of 1,500.

It is crucial to be cautious with payday loans because they are so expensive. They must only be used in extreme emergencies and never for luxuries.

If you are interested in Emergency Payday Loans, please visit our web site with the title Pay Day Advance Loans

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What is the Informed Consent Law plus How Can the law Affect You and Your Family

May 4th, 2011 by Frank Andrew Greenwald

The informed consent law is now in the public eye with respect to how it is being executed. A number of groups including Colorado Progressive Coalition said that there is a need for its improved implementation. It has recommended that both law enforcers and civilian citizens must be knowledgeable of it. According to the group, it is not sufficient that just the police are up to date. Individuals should be well-oriented on the new law especially so that they are the subjects.

According to the law, a search will only be performed after the consent of the subject. If he or she refuses, then no search can be completed. To avoid from committing privacy violation, the law enforcer must complete the necessary process. He or she must first clearly explain to the subject his or her constitutional rights under the law. Once the subject refuses, the police officer can not go on with the intended search.

The bill known as HB 1201 was voted for last year. Under the 4th Amendment, this law was approved to defend individuals against unreasonable searches. Search under this law is considered unreasonable if there is no informed consent. The many incidents of law enforcement brutality prompted lawmakers to watch over both law enforcers and civilians. It is hoped that this would inspire in both the police’s and citizens’ respect of the law.

The Colorado Progressive Coalition hosted one round table event. During the said occasion the 2 fundamental aspects on the implementation of the law were identified. One is the creation and implementation of training programs for law officers. The other is generating public awareness of the law and legal rights of individuals. These two would create a partnership between both police and civilians as they know their rights. This means that there would be less cases of police maltreating private individuals.

There are a number of ways of training programs available for police officers. The one being used at present is through education bulletins sent by the use of emails to law enforcement representatives. Nonetheless, the group suggests of a superior way that would really inculcate “a society that respects the law”. These additional media that would facilitate deeper awareness and positive reception of the law must be incorporated. One that would guarantee appropriate implementation of the law is video webcast training.

The ACLU stresses that public comprehension is also essential. It has signified its on-hand resources for providing know-your-rights classes. It would be teaching individuals who are agreeable to study the new Colorado law as well as their rights as individuals. It also said that they would make available know-your-right cards to those who are concerned in endorsing the informed consent law.

Often you can’t wait for the laws to protect you. Many times you have to take proactive steps to defend yourself. Here is how to use an anonymous IP Changer proxy server to change your IP address.

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Ensuring The Safety Of Your Kids From Identity Theft

October 17th, 2010 by Owen Smith

Many people today are worried about the browsing behavior of their kids. With more young adults surfing the web, the opportunity for others to take advantage of them online continues to grow. How can you safeguard your children online? There are a number of ways to make sure they are safe and it all starts with an awareness of what type of threats exist.

Children surf the web on a regular basis. Whether they are traveling to their favorite web site or social media platform, cyber criminals know the most well-liked sites among young adults. This is why they generally target these areas with malware and viruses. Children should take supplemental precautions when browsing sites that are popular or focused on popular topics. They may find themselves at risk when using sites they assume to have adequate protections.

A freshly released scam involved YouTube videos showing the prominent teen pop singer Justin Bieber. The trick inserted detrimental code into the comment attribute of the singer’s YouTube videos, which redirected users to adult web pages, exposing children to improper material. As many future pop-culture issues will undoubtedly become connected to malware scams, informing children about the importance of sticking to reliable sources while using search engines can keep them from stumbling upon destructive software.

Phishing scams are another risk to children using the web, as many may not be mindful of the severity of swapping information online. For example, a recent line of phishing scams targeted Facebook and attempted to extract personal data from unsuspecting users.They first offered a free gift card to Facebook users, claiming if they simply click on the “Like” button for a particular page they can receive a free giftcard to Subway restaurants. The link actually redirects users to a website separate from Facebook and asks for credit card numbers and other individual information in exchange for the supposed gift card.

Providing children with information about how to defend themselves on the internet is extremely important. In particular, warning children about giving personal info in response to unwanted requests is a necessary step in guarding them. If young adults are aware that many of these internet sites are not reputable and may take advantage of their individual information, they are less likely to fall prey to scams.

You will find a variety of online hackers finding resourceful ways to take advantage of you and your children when surfing online. The best way to avoid these scams is to verify where requests are coming from. For example, when you get a pop up message asking you to revise your virus protection, validate that it is your system’s virus protection and not being introduced by a third party. Only move forward if you are fully certain with the originator of the message. By being alert and validating sources before taking an action such as giving your personally identifiable information and facts online, you can product your children and yourself.

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Study Says Internet Will Reach 5 Billion People By 2025

October 4th, 2010 by Smyth Danielson

Quite a bit has occurred over the last twenty years, with the internet going away from what was once a luxury item experienced over a dial-up connection to now something that’s virtually essential in every household.

“Microsoft had just launched a new OS, [Windows 95], that included for the first time [Web browser] Internet Explorer,” Enrique Ruedo-Sabater, Cisco’s senior director of strategy and economics in emerging markets, said about changes in the ’90s that contributed to the internet’s growth. “By the end of that year, there were 16 million Internet users worldwide and today, we are about 2 billion.”

Advanced progress is expected over the course of the next 15 years. According to a recent study done by the Monitor Group’s Global Business Network and Cisco, the expected internet population is anticipated to reach 5 billion users by the year 2025. These are all people that, even today, may not have presently heard of either Facebook or Google. These brand new and already familiar users will bring up the number of internet users to approximately $3 trillion in total market value.

Government organizations and major businesses are expected to add additional connectivity into these other markets, according to the study’s forecast. In addition, when compared to previous adopters of the internet, all of the innovations that have been found and implemented on the internet over this period of time will help any new adopters become used to it much more quickly.

Internet connections are also expected to grow during the next 15 years. The study forecasts several different forms of connectivity that will be used commonly. This will affect pricing from internet service providers, as the report explains, “one-size-fits-all bandwidth options will be the exception rather than the norm.”

Also, the study expects new innovations from major developers in internet applications, solutions and security to expand the web to new markets.

“[These scenarios] can help corporate strategists develop resilient, nimble business models and policy makers to ensure they create a hospitable institutional environment and avoid pitfalls,” he said. “By exploring and rehearsing divergent and plausible futures for the Internet, not only can leaders prepare for any future, they can also help shape it.”

The announcement is indicative of the evolutionary nature of the internet. As the internet has already displayed huge changes over the past ten years, and is slated to see additional enhancements during the next 15 years, computer users will need to inquire with experts in security and internet connectivity to make sure they keep up with the technology that will be arriving to their homes.

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