10.3 Online Privacy and Security

The internet has revolutionized how we live, but it's also created new risks. From cybercrime to data breaches, online privacy threats are everywhere. Understanding these risks is crucial for protecting ourselves in the digital world.

Luckily, there are ways to safeguard our personal information online. Strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and encryption are just a few tools we can use. But it's important to balance privacy with convenience as we navigate the digital landscape.

Online Privacy and Security Risks

Online privacy threats and risks

Top images from around the web for Online privacy threats and risks

• 

  How to Purify Your Device After Clicking a Phishing Link View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Infographic: IT Infrastructure Security Best Practices View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Your privacy, security and freedom online are in danger - EDRi View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  How to Purify Your Device After Clicking a Phishing Link View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Infographic: IT Infrastructure Security Best Practices View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Online privacy threats and risks

• 

  How to Purify Your Device After Clicking a Phishing Link View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Infographic: IT Infrastructure Security Best Practices View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Your privacy, security and freedom online are in danger - EDRi View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  How to Purify Your Device After Clicking a Phishing Link View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Infographic: IT Infrastructure Security Best Practices View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Cybercrime involves criminal activities conducted through the internet
  • Identity theft occurs when someone steals personal information to impersonate the victim (Social Security number, credit card details)
  • Financial fraud involves deceptive practices to obtain money illegally (fake investments, pyramid schemes)
  • Phishing scams trick individuals into revealing sensitive information through fake emails or websites (posing as a legitimate bank or company)
• Data breaches happen when unauthorized individuals gain access to confidential information
  • Unauthorized access to personal information can lead to identity theft and privacy violations (Equifax data breach exposing millions of records)
  • Exposure of sensitive data can harm individuals and organizations (medical records, trade secrets)
  • Hacking of databases and systems exploits vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access (SQL injection attacks, weak passwords)
• Online tracking involves monitoring user behavior and collecting data
  • Web cookies are small text files that websites place on a user's device to track preferences and activity (shopping cart contents, login status)
  • Browser fingerprinting creates a unique profile of a user's device and settings to track them across websites (screen resolution, installed fonts)
  • Targeted advertising uses tracked data to display personalized ads based on user interests and behavior (ads for products viewed on other sites)
• Malware is malicious software designed to harm devices or networks
  • Viruses infect files and spread to other devices when shared (email attachments, downloaded files)
  • Trojans disguise themselves as legitimate software but perform malicious actions (keyloggers, backdoors)
  • Ransomware encrypts a victim's files and demands payment for the decryption key (WannaCry, Petya)
• Unsecured Wi-Fi networks pose risks to users connected to them
  • Man-in-the-middle attacks intercept data transmitted over unsecured networks (public Wi-Fi hotspots)
  • Eavesdropping on unencrypted data allows attackers to steal sensitive information (login credentials, financial data)
• Social engineering tactics manipulate individuals into disclosing sensitive information or performing actions
  • Manipulating individuals to disclose sensitive information exploits trust and emotions (pretexting, baiting)
  • Exploiting human trust and emotions can bypass technical security measures (urgency, authority, scarcity)

Protecting Personal Information Online

Best practices for data protection

• Strong and unique passwords are crucial for account security
  • Use a combination of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols to create complex passwords (Tr0ub4dor&3)
  • Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts to limit the impact of a single breach
  • Regularly update passwords every few months to reduce the window of vulnerability
• Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security beyond passwords
  • Adds an extra layer of security beyond passwords by requiring a second form of verification (SMS code, authenticator app)
  • Requires a second form of verification, such as a code sent to a mobile device, to confirm the user's identity
• Encryption protects data by converting it into an unreadable format
  • Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols encrypt data transmitted between a user's device and a website
  • Encrypts data transmitted between a user's device and a website to prevent interception
  • Look for "https" in the URL and a padlock icon in the browser to ensure a secure connection
• Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) create a secure, encrypted tunnel for internet traffic
  • Encrypts internet traffic and masks the user's IP address to protect privacy
  • Protects data from interception on public Wi-Fi networks by creating a secure connection
• Privacy settings on social media and online accounts help control the visibility of personal information
  • Limit the visibility of personal information to reduce the risk of unwanted access or use
  • Control who can access posts and profile details to maintain privacy (friends only, private accounts)
• Regular software and operating system updates are essential for maintaining security
  • Patch security vulnerabilities to prevent exploitation by attackers
  • Protect against the latest threats and exploits by installing updates promptly

Privacy vs convenience online

• Personalization vs. data collection is a trade-off between tailored experiences and privacy
  • Tailored user experiences and recommendations provide convenience and relevance (Netflix suggestions, Amazon product recommendations)
  • Requires sharing personal preferences and behavior, which can be used for profiling and tracking
• Single sign-on (SSO) vs. account security balances ease of use with potential risks
  • Convenience of using one account across multiple platforms simplifies login processes (Google Sign-In, Facebook Login)
  • Increases the impact of a single account compromise, as an attacker could gain access to multiple services
• Location-based services vs. privacy involves weighing the benefits of location-aware features against data sharing
  • Benefits of location-aware applications and services include navigation, local recommendations, and targeted content (Google Maps, Yelp)
  • Reveals user's physical whereabouts and movement patterns, which can be used for tracking and profiling
• Cloud storage vs. data control presents a choice between accessibility and security
  • Accessibility and convenience of storing data in the cloud allows for easy sharing and syncing across devices (Dropbox, Google Drive)
  • Reliance on third-party providers for data security and privacy means trusting their practices and safeguards

Legal and Regulatory Frameworks

Legislation for online privacy safeguards

• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive EU regulation on data protection and privacy
  • European Union regulation on data protection and privacy sets strict requirements for data handling
  • Gives individuals control over their personal data, including the right to access, correct, and erase their information
  • Requires companies to obtain explicit consent for data collection and processing, with clear explanations of data use
• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) enhances privacy rights for California residents
  • Grants California residents the right to know what personal information is being collected about them by businesses
  • Allows consumers to request the deletion of their data, giving them more control over their personal information
  • Gives consumers the right to opt-out of the sale of their personal information to third parties
• Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) safeguards the privacy of children under 13 in the U.S.
  • U.S. federal law that protects the privacy of children under 13 by regulating online data collection practices
  • Requires parental consent for the collection of personal information from children, ensuring their privacy is protected
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects sensitive patient health information in the U.S.
  • U.S. federal law that protects sensitive patient health information from unauthorized disclosure
  • Establishes standards for the electronic exchange, privacy, and security of health information to maintain patient confidentiality