by Anne Brodgesell

Created on: March 19, 2009   Last Updated: February 13, 2012

Online privacy is not something we gave much thought to when buying our first, internet-ready computer. We came home, set up all the various components and started web surfing. The whole concept of the internet was so fascinating and exciting that we didn't worry about our privacy or who might be tracking our information as much as we should have. We blithely entered contests, requested information sent to our email addresses and took amusing online surveys. After a visit to the doctor, we came home and searched for information on diseases and prescriptions unaware that someone in cyberspace was collecting our most private information.

We were told to make sure we had proper security set up on our computers and while we knew about cookies, who really understood what they were and what they actually meant to us personally? Today, we are much wiser about computers, online security and privacy but are we really aware of the risks we are taking each time we go online?

We need to take responsibility for our online privacy by educating ourselves on the dangers and figuring out how to keep our information safe.

Privacy Policies

Most Web sites will have a privacy policy that outlines what information the site collects and how it is stored or used. Unless you actually read and understand the individual policies, you could be agreeing to providing information to the site and third parties. Just because it says "Privacy Policy" doesn't mean that it is protecting your privacy.

Check the privacy policy on the site you are visiting for opt-out and other privacy options offered. Many of the Brand name websites will respect any choices you make, others however make it very difficult to opt-out so you will really have to dig through their privacy policy. Before signing up for anything that requires your information, make sure there is an opt-out available.

Phishing and Other Scams

Fraud perpetrators are now able to create websites that look like legitimate businesses such as your bank, eBay, PayPal, etc. The scam works by getting you to disclose personal information such as credit card numbers, social security numbers and account passwords. Usually done through an email the message is sent as urgent and explains some serious concern about your account. Legitimate websites will never send emails of this type. If you believe it may be coming from a trusted website, simply type in the website address in the address line and check for yourself. Do not click on any links in the

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