Internet Security and Public Information, Essay Example

Internet security is somewhat of an oxymoron because a majority of the information that is posted to the Internet becomes public information. On the Internet, I feel safest when I am sending e-mail messages because there is a feeling that even though the information is public, it can only be seen by me, the person or people I sent the message to, and possibly the website that is providing my service. However, even when I’m sending e-mails, I’m concerned that Google will use the information I’m sending for unethical research purposes. After learning that Facebook has used their advertisements to control people’s emotions without their consent, I’m worried that there is too much a lack of Internet regulation. The malicious software I worry about most is therefore tracking cookies; I don’t want the websites I visit to have my information, so I limit what is shared. However, since many websites need cookies to work properly, I can’t eliminate the information I share altogether. To protect my computer, I regularly run virus scans and delete cookies. However, many viruses can only be quarantined and not removed. Therefore, it is important to be safe when browsing to avoid receiving these infections in the first place. I believe that online businesses should not collect information from users to use for marketing purposes. Despite this, it is possible for these businesses to get this information simply from tracking their users. A majority of the privacy concerns not related to malware deal with the information we provide to social networking sites. I believe my Internet security is important and I will therefore avoid providing certain information online. As it stands, it does not appear that the security situation will improve in the future.

References

Stanger J, Kozakis KA. (2012). Internet Business Associate Academic Student Guide. Tempe, AZ: Certification Partners, LLC.