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The following is a straightforward Q&A that can inform you of basic IT security and privacy issues. It can also help unravel some security jargon and provide other useful information to help protect you, your family or business online.
What happens to my personal information when I use the Internet?
Initially it is sent from your computer to the website owner via a series of links, which may not be direct. Unless it has been encrypted (using SSL or other security tools) it can be intercepted by others while being passed from link to link, so it is advisable to send personal information, including credit card details, only to sites which support SSL or similar tools. Once it arrives at its destination, the information is used and stored as required by the website owner, and may be used in direct marketing or passed to other organisations. All UK websites which collect personal data must, under the terms of the Data Protection Act 1998, display information about how data is to be used, and some may include the Information Commissioner's padlock symbol (not to be confused with the secure site browser symbol).
What are cookies?
A cookie is an information file created on your computer by a website you visit, which can be used by the website to give individual preferences, including 'shopping basket' information while moving between pages on a site. Some cookies remain on your computer between visits so the website can address you by name or retain preference data for a subsequent visit. In the UK, where cookies incorporate any form of identifying data they are subject to the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998.
Should I disclose personal information on the Internet?
It depends on what you are doing online. If you are buying something and wanting it delivered, then obviously the vendor will need your name and address and payment information. Some websites may request additional information for marketing and other purposes but they should not require you to give it. In chatrooms you should be wary of giving any personal information, and children in particular should be told not to give out any information which could be used to identify them.
Why do organisations ask for personal information?
Some personal information may be required as part of a service the organisation is providing to you (e.g. name, address and credit card number will be required when buying something online to be delivered to your home). Some may be useful to the organisation in offering you a better service online. But organisations may also use personal information for marketing purposes; their website should advise you of this in their 'privacy policy' and give you the option to decline.
What rights do I have to stop my information being shared?
The Information Commissioner recommends that websites allow you to state that you do not want your information to be shared with third parties, rather as paper forms often contain a tick box to this effect.
What is a chatroom? Is it safe?
A chatroom provides an environment where people can go and communicate about a common interest. There are a wide variety of chatrooms on the Internet covering all sorts of interests for all types of people. They can be enjoyable and a good way to get together with like-minded people, but there can be dangers, particularly for children. As you cannot see the person at the other end, you cannot guarantee that they are who they say they are. So beware of giving out any personal details, and warn children not to give out their address or telephone number, and never to arrange to meet anyone they have encountered in a chatroom without their parent or guardian present.
Can people track what I'm doing when I'm online?
Yes. Cookies can keep information on your use and some websites use this data to follow users' paths (so that they can improve their websites and their services). Plus your PC maintains a history of sites you have visited.
H. Does my ISP protect me at all?
ISPs can help by blocking junk emails and by ensuring that they do not host inappropriate material. Some ISPs also provide parental controls and filtering out of undesirable sites.