Technological advancement and digital enhancement have increased the usage rate of digital devices. Additionally, digital devices have increased the use of the internet to enhance connections and facilitate transactions. The internet is the vast network that facilitates communication throughout the world by enhancing the connection of computers. The increase in internet usage meant that personal information and data were exposed to many people, possibly worldwide. Internet advancement and usage led to the discussion of online privacy. Online privacy protects personal data, information and activities while they are using the internet. This research paper discusses online privacy as a whole, the risks to online privacy, effects of online privacy, problems with website security and the measures that can be taken to ensure online security.
Online privacy refers to how personal, financial and browsing activities are protected while online. Additionally, online privacy entails the shopping habits, location of our devices and how the information is collected, used, stored and shared with other third parties. The online exposure has been a great worry to people due to the risk posed to personal data and browsing history. For instance, the United States publicly announced that the rate of data breaches in 2021 rose by 17 %. Many individuals don’t accord online privacy the importance it deserves (Barth et al., 2019). Still, the amount of information they share online and the number of activities they partake in during browsing should be of great concern.
Breach Of Online Privacy
The topic of online privacy can not be discussed without considering data privacy. We can secure our online information through security measures such as strong passwords. However, that is not guaranteed that our data is safe and secure. Some companies would breach the data protection agreements and illegally access our online information for selfish gains. Additionally, hackers and attackers are on their heels to invent new technologies that can help them bypass our security measures and access data and information (Barth et al., 2019). Consequently, various important information needs to be protected and are subjected to online breaches. Some of the information includes; behavioural information such as hygiene, smoking and drinking; confidential information such as disabilities, social security number and area of residence; marriage and educational documents such as medical records and school grades, emotional conditions such as traumatic events, family and financial information such as banking details, location and health problems, location, legal information such as criminal records, mail, hobbies, personal physical and political information, relationships, religious and safe space information, sexual behaviour and sex life social and spiritual information. Therefore, companies need to train their employees on the best methods to protect their data. Some of the breaches occur due to the ignorance of some employees of the importance of protecting their vital information from cyber attackers. Additionally, companies should implement the proper procedures, such as updating the current security measures.
Importance Of Online Privacy
Online privacy covers personal information and concerns and covers a wide range of entities. Every device and activity is now involved on online platforms, and it is essential to identify the function of online privacy in our society (Barth et al., 2019). The first importance is that online privacy keeps the family information and family safe from data breaches. Families share so much information on online platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. However, these platforms are not secure for individuals who share a lot of information that does not need to be shared. Online privacy tends to create a safe space for the members who use the platforms. Online privacy will also prevent attackers from exploiting the loopholes to gain access. Family members can implement online privacy by updating the social media privacy settings. Additionally, well-educated family members should create awareness of the dangers of sharing personal information through social media platforms and the process they can use while sharing information.
Online privacy protects our identity and privacy from theft. Numerous individual jeopardizes their identity online by exposing too much information while using unsecured websites. The websites expose the information which an attacker can use to portray themselves as individuals and use the information to cause damage. The websites should implement safety measures such as encryptions to safeguard individuals’ information. Additionally, individuals should refrain from using websites that are not secure. Consequently, online privacy protects the business. Businesses are facilitating the migration to implement online services to improve their market base (Anic et al., 2019). Therefore, numerous business information might be exposed on the internet, creating a significant threat from cyberattacks. However, organizations can prevent the attacks by; training employees on the importance of online privacy and showing the right actions to take in case of any malicious activities in the computer systems. Additionally, the businesses can install updated antivirus software that will protect the networked computers and protect against spyware and malware attacks.
A cyber attacker can have power over and manipulate you to do malicious actions because they control your personal information. Online privacy prevents control over you by anonymous people and cyberattacks. Attackers can control you by blackmail and tarnishing of reputation (Anic et al., 2019). Therefore, when wrong people access private data, it can cause significant damage and loss of control of our lives. In line with control, online privacy can help us retain our reputation. When an attacker has our private information, they can use it to expose our deep secrets, affecting our image to society. Therefore, online privacy prevents the tarnishing of reputation. Social media has created an environment where people can monitor our activities. Without a proper understanding of online privacy, attackers can ruin social and personal relationships with friends and spouses and create massive misunderstandings. Therefore, online privacy safeguards our social boundaries. Privacy breeds a sense of respect for personal space. Therefore, online privacy helps other internet users respect individuals because they have some private information that needs to be respected.
How To Protect Your Online Privacy
There are various ways to ensure that we subject our devices and online activities to be secure. The first and most vital tool to protect against cyberattacks is general knowledge about malware and malicious acts. Phishing is the primary method used by hackers to facilitate attacks on systems. Hackers develop malware that attacks the computer systems and gain passwords that grant them access to our systems and personal information. Therefore, it is vital to train employees to refrain from clicking random links from unknown sources and installing them into the computers. Wi-Fi helps us to stay connected and use numerous platforms. Controlling and knowing the proper usage of the Wi-Fi can help facilitate the privacy of our information (Anic et al., 2019). Additionally, passwords control access to the Wi-Fi networks, and when an attacker gains the Wi-Fi password, he can control everything we do with the Wi-Fi. Therefore, it is essential to use strong passwords and change them regularly to help prevent cyberattacks on our networks.
Protection against cyberattacks is highly facilitated by personal responsibility. The applications on our phones and our computer systems are very vulnerable to attacks unless we boost our security. Consequently, regular updating of the software helps the system be up to date with the security trends, hence helping to boost security and protect our information. Additionally, it is essential to delete old files and applications that are not in use anymore. The files and applications are very vulnerable to attacks. The hackers exploit the loopholes in the files and target them to gran access to personal information. The digital world has led to the exposure of our information and activities. Nevertheless, it is essential to keep track of your digital footprint so that it can not be used in the future to bring damage to your reputation (Anic et al., 2019). Online privacy involves the protection of devices and denying access to the systems. To protect the systems, it is recommended to protect all our devices. The devices are exposed to the internet and are prone to attacks. Securing the devices involves installing good anti-spyware and anti-malware software that protects against several cyberattacks. Additionally, use solid passwords to prevent any form of social attacks and ease access to our passwords.
Data encryption techniques are an advanced form of data protection. Online transactions are precarious, and applying data encryption helps secure the data while in transit. The encryption process involves using secure websites that have encryption features installed. A secure website will change from HTTP to HTTPS when providing personal information (Barth et al., 2022). Additionally, a lock symbol will appear to indicate that the website is secure. Cookies are a form of storing data and monitoring our movement while using the internet. Many websites provide pop up messages that prompt us to accept the cookies. However, cookies can pose a significant threat to our online data. Therefore, it is essential to know the cookies you accept to be stored in your computer system. The cookies keep track of the websites you visit and the activities you undertake and keep the details to themselves. The information can be used by organizations to cause damage to users. Therefore, it is advisable only to accept the cookies when necessary.
Conclusion
Technology advancement has exposed numerous details to the whole world, which begs for online privacy. Therefore, online privacy has been developed to help online users know how to protect their activities online. The activities include collecting, processing, and sharing information over the internet. The most crucial aspect of online privacy is that it helps people implement the necessary precautions to ensure their safety while online.
References
Barth, S., de Jong, M. D., Junger, M., Hartel, P. H., & Roppelt, J. C. (2019). Putting the privacy paradox to the test: Online privacy and security behaviors among users with technical knowledge, privacy awareness, and financial resources. Telematics and informatics, 41, 55-69.
Anic, I. D., Škare, V., & Milaković, I. K. (2019). The determinants and effects of online privacy concerns in the context of e-commerce. Electronic Commerce Research and Applications, 36, 100868.
Barth, S., Ionita, D., & Hartel, P. (2022). Understanding Online Privacy—A Systematic Review of Privacy Visualizations and Privacy by Design Guidelines. ACM Computing Surveys (CSUR), 55(3), 1-37.
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