How can we protect ourselves in cyberspace?

I recently had problems with my computer at home, various viruses had managed to slip through the AVG net and embed themselves on some fair important files that I was working on. After much shouting and swearing I managed to remove the offending files and was advised to used a piece of software called SUPER Anti Spyware (SASw) that would ensure that all unwanted programs and files on my machine were removed. I was must say that I was hugely impressed with a the software particularly as it was free! Having run an initial AVG scan, you would have thought that any spyware or malware would have been removed but oh no. I followed it up with a whole computer scan on SASw and to my amazement it found the following : 7 Ad-ware cookies, 1 Browser Hijacked and 1759 tracking cookies. As you can imagine I was slightly taken aback by AVG inability to detect 1767 unwanted files.

We are all familiar with Social networks like Facebook taking over the world of communications but why is it that no one seems to have any major objections to showing their relationship status, contact info, likes, dislikes favorite films, artists etc? Many of you will be aware of the Facebook privacy settings in place but some may not know how these have evolved over time. Matt Mckeon talks of how the Facebook team have relaxed the approach to default privacy as more emphasis has been put on monetizing the site. The picture bellow depicts how poor Facebook's default settings have been over the last year.

Some of you may not be aware of how Facebook use our personal details and profile information to target us with Ads although they maintain this is done anonymously, it still takes place.We can of course opt out of this unnecessary exposure of information but why should we have to? shouldn't the default be the highest possible setting? Of course in an ideal world it would. It is these short comings in online privacy that lead to Spam mailing, excessive tracking cookies, spyware, fraud and viruses.

Online privacy is a massive issue, you wouldn't give out your contact details or personal information to a random person you met on the street. Nor would you give your card details away to anyone unless you trusted them 100%. Unfortunately many sites, groups and networks do not have security and privacy barriers in place to stop your info leaking out to a wider audience

So how can you ensure that your online privacy settings are up to scratch? Well following these tips offered by the EFF would be a good place to start.

1.      Do not reveal personal information inadvertently.

2.      Turn on cookie notices in your Web browser, and/or use cookie management software.

3.      Keep a "clean" e-mail address.

4.      Don't reveal personal details to strangers or just-met "friends".

5.      Realize you may be monitored at work, avoid sending highly personal e-mail to mailing lists, and keep sensitive files on your home computer.

6.      Beware sites that offer some sort of reward or prize in exchange for your contact information or other personal details.

7.      Do not reply to spammers, for any reason.

8.      Be conscious of Web security.

9.      Be conscious of home computer security.

10.  Examine privacy policies and seals.

11.  Remember that YOU decide what information about yourself to reveal, when, why, and to whom.

12.  Use encryption!

BEWARE: Even if you Facebook privacy settings have been put in place, every time a new profile layout is bought in you settings may reset to default!