These Are The Biggest Privacy Threats You Face Online Today

Biggest Privacy Threats On Line

Everywhere you turn you’re warned about staying safe when you’re online, and you should be careful. With so many dire warnings, where should you focus your attention? Well, here are the top 5 privacy threats you should be aware of when you’re online.

Webcam Access—While it’s rare, there are known exploits that allow others to access your webcam (such as malicious software or software security flaws). Putting electrical tape over your webcam isn’t a bad idea, but more webcams are coming with kill switches and shutters for peace of mind (or we’ll send you one of our webcams).

Phishing Scams—Don’t ever expect these to go away. People still fall for them. NEVER click links in e-mails from anyone you don’t know (and even if you do know them, verify that they sent you a link—e-mail addresses can be spoofed).

Web Browser Plug-ins—Vet every browser plug-in and extension you install. Many extensions collect your browsing history and sell it. Read the terms of service before you click install (a good rule of thumb for software in general).

Ad Tracking—Web ads (and web ad providers, such as Facebook and Google) are notorious for tracking users. They want to know what you like so they can cater ads directly to you in the hopes that you’ll click the ad, which gives them ad revenue. It’s one of the many reasons why people use ad blockers.

Device Tracking—If you have a smartphone, chances are it’s being used to track your every move. Again, it comes back to delivering ads that are relevant to you so you’ll click on them. For companies like Facebook and Google, users are the product. Inc., 7/19/2019