Monday, September 9, 2013

Privacy Fears Cause More to Cover Online Tracks


Currently, there is a developing fear about online surveillance and data theft. Americans are increasingly taking steps to remove or mask their digital footprints on the Internet.

Facts
It was reported by Pew Research Center that; 86 percent of US Internet users have taken some steps to avoid online surveillance by other people or organizations.

The survey found out that: 21% of online adults have had an email or social media account hijacked and 11% have had information like Social Security numbers or financial data stolen. 12 % of those using the Internet have been stalked or harassed online, and 6% have been the victim of an online scam and lost money.  6% reported to have had their reputation damaged because of something that happened online, and 4% were in physical danger because of something that happened online. 50 % of Internet users reported to be worried about the amount of their personal information that is online.  64% of online adults clear "cookies" which store information, or their browser history and 41% have disabled cookies.

Some delete material they have posted in the past, create usernames that are hard to tie to them, use public computers to browse, or give inaccurate information about themselves.

Approximately 14% of the user’s survey said they at times encrypt email and 14 % say they use services like virtual networks that allow them to browse without being tied to a specific Internet protocol address. 


 

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