Privacy on the web

Scoop

Scoop

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jul 19, 2002
Messages
1,158
We all know there are products that you use on your computer that spy on you and report back. <br /><br />I am not talking about the small ones that you may get like a virus, but mainstream software where companies think they have the right to your private information. Some of these include, Microsoft .net passport (If you have a hotmail account or turned on MSN instant messaging, you loaded this), Real player, and Windows Media player. There are a lot of other examples out there where you have to agree to their tracking you. It is built into their End User Licensing Agreement. If read it before Agreeing to it, you have just given them the license to spy on you. Here is the latest.<br /><br />This product is being included on some music CDs. When you put a music CD in your computer it Will track a bunch of your information. You may have a choice to not install this or not. <br />The product and company is called Bandlink.<br /><br />Here is some of the information they track on you. Talk about Big Brother.<br /><br />>>>>>>><br />Bandlink produces the most powerful CD Tracking Statistics ever generated. By offering CD usage statistics, you can better qualify your audience and evaluate your CD release. <br />• CD Usage Activity<br />• Track by Track Usage<br />• Monthly, Weekly, Daily, Hourly usage analysis.<br />• User Profiles<br /><br />CD evaluation tools to provide you with instant fan feedback, fan profiles, and CD usage reports. <br /><br />CD Intelligence will collect critical feedback necessary to determine or predict the effectiveness of your material. <br />• Who is your fan? What tracks do they like?<br />>>>>>>>><br /><br />Here is a link to the Bandlink Site where I got this from. The only way you know if your CD has this imbedded is by a small logo on the back of the CD.<br /><br /> http://www.bandlink.com/blink/bandlink3.cfm
 
F

Fishbusters

Ensign
Joined
Apr 20, 2002
Messages
921
Re: Privacy on the web

There is no such thing as internet privacy anymore. Most of the new processors have an ID# that is linked to that computer. All you need to know is who the person is that bought the computer and you then know what that person uses the computer for and where on-line they have been because the number is very track-able. It is even simpler than tracing an IP number to it's source and you would be surprised how many people know how to do that.
 
Ross J

Ross J

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Nov 30, 2001
Messages
1,119
Re: Privacy on the web

I can back up the idea of Ad-aware, It cleans off between two and ten spy programs every day. I like it a lot! And it's free.<br />Thanks Ad-aware....<br />Ross
 
E

ebbtide176

Commander
Joined
Jan 22, 2002
Messages
2,289
Re: Privacy on the web

ok, i'm not saying what anyone should do. you get to enjoy the www at some cost, so do get informed, but don't get bogged down with security.<br /><br />but i just wanted to tell everyone interested in the things listed here to remember to check in on steve gibson sometime. read his stories, they're interesting. (Gibson Research Corp)<br /><br /> http://grc.com/freepopular.htm
 
Scoop

Scoop

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jul 19, 2002
Messages
1,158
Re: Privacy on the web

Definitely don't get bogged down with security. Enjoy the web, but stay informed. Ad aware works ok, a personal firewall works better. A product like Norton personal firewall or even Tiny personal firewall are good. <br /><br />The purpose of my post is to make everyone aware of the attacks on our personal privacy and the thoughts that as long as there is content to deliver, it is ok for the delivery company to track your habits and personal information.<br /><br />One other thing people should be aware of is the attack of fair use laws. Currently you have a right to use your VCR to tape a show due to a decision in court over a lawsuit that was filed against Sony over their Betamax recorder. The lawsuit was trying to stop this technology from being used to record your TV shows. This is being challenged now because of TIVO recorders, MP3 ripping programs, and other things that let you select the way you want to listen to your music or watch your TV. If you ever made a tape of an album or CD before, that may become illegal.<br /><br />One other thing. Your right to read books from the library anonymously is being challenged. Currently, the government is trying to force bookstores to track everyone they sold certain books to and to hand that information over to the government. Also, Library's are being asked to divulge who checked out what book and when. This is all in the name of national security. You may have even seen the commercials on TV about these freedoms from the AD council. <br /><br />This is no joke nor is it a sky is falling warning. These things are really happening here in the United States. Be aware before your rights are taken away.
 
M

mellowyellow

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jun 8, 2002
Messages
5,327
Re: Privacy on the web

in the past I have seen well over 100 of these programs on someones puter. <br />don't EVER transmit<br />to anyone any info. that is the least bit sensative without some protection.<br />some sites are secure, most ain't.<br />be safe and be smart.<br />I have a specific credit card I use for these<br />peripheral types of purchases. it has a $250<br />limit. this is my max. risk.
 
Scoop

Scoop

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jul 19, 2002
Messages
1,158
Re: Privacy on the web

The credit card with a low limit is a good idea Mellow Yellow.
 
S

SlowlySinking

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 31, 2002
Messages
897
Re: Privacy on the web

Gentlemen, there are a couple of ways to help here, install the FREE firewall program called ZoneAlarm, works very nicely since you select which programs access the web from your computer and it keeps hackers out of your computer. Another trick for credit cards, log onto your credit card web site and set up web access with passwords to your accounts, then set the account options so every charge over some dollar amount (I use $5) triggers an e-mail to you, then you have timely notification of bogus charges before it gets out of hand. I also have all three credit reporting companys set so that NOBODY can apply for credit in my name in any form without my personal phone call approval. Having been the victim of credit card fraud I learned the hard way. Happy Holidays
 
Scoop

Scoop

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jul 19, 2002
Messages
1,158
Re: Privacy on the web

Slowly Sinking, Zone Alarm is another great program. I could not remember the name but because it is free, it is probably the best option for most people.<br /><br />Also, an Excellent idea on the credit cards. I never knew you could do that.
 
H

Homerr

Commander
Joined
Mar 4, 2002
Messages
2,294
Re: Privacy on the web

I run Zone alarm pro, and I love it. Seems to stop just about everything.<br />In XP (and the rest of windows I think) there is a file called 'HOSTS' that has web site address that you can add to and block web sites.<br /><br />If any of you run Kazaa-Lite, then you probably know what I'm talking about.<br /><br />By the way, DON'T run the regular Kazaa. It has spyware in it BIG-TIME. Use Kazaa-Lite. It runs the same, except no spyware. Also use the host file it comes with.<br />I don't get any ads, pop-ups, banners, etc...<br /><br />As far as security, I NEVER put any critical information on my computer hard drive. I keep stuff like that in my removable drive (zip disk) and pop the disk when I'm done with it. There's no way they can get it!<br />I use virtual credit card numbers for online shopping. They work great. Set the limit and expiration date, or set it for one-shot use.<br /><br />The way I figure it, if you are connected to the internet, then you are exposed in one way or another. No getting away from it, so accept it or don't go on the net.<br /><br />I have my ad blocks, mail blocks, opt-outs. Just try and get me to buy your junk!<br />If I want or need, I buy. I don't look at an ad and say..gee..I really need that...<br /><br />Keep trying Big Brother...I have a 3-fingered salute waitin for ya!<br /><br />H.
 
Scoop

Scoop

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jul 19, 2002
Messages
1,158
Re: Privacy on the web

Here is a story of municipalities passing laws making it illegal for Librarians to pass over list of what books are being read to federal agencies. I am wondering how long Farenheight 451 will stay on the shelves. It is very subversive and might prove that anyone who reads it is a terrorist. Someone should be watching every copy.<br /><br />Now for those of us old enough to remember. I tried to check out a copy of Steal This Book, but it was already gone. <br /><br /> http://www.wired.com/news/politics/0,1283,56922,00.html
 
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