Cybersecurity is one of the biggest threats we are facing today. Our society depends so much on digital platforms and software programs, which comes at a cost and a security hazard to all of us. All the information we input into these platforms and programs is stored in their databases which can be used and sold for whatever reason they choose. Our professor in our INF 103 Course sent us videos and readings that relate to our privacy and security on the web.
The first reading that was sent to us related to the information that can be known by these sites by our “friends”. When we add people as friends on a social media platform, these platforms can identify which traits and interests are shared between them and yourself, creating a virtual profile of your likes. The second reading relates more specifically to Facebook and how it stores all of your personal information, even if you delete it from the site. It also showcases how this information can be sold to different companies that can now have access to very personal details such as your phone number, address, age, etc. The final reading further emphasizes on the availability of your information on Google and Facebook. For example, they know exactly where you have been, all of your search history, all of the apps you have, amongst others. These lectures emphasize that almost every activity we do is being monitored and stored.
Our professor also sent us different videos that relate towards personal security on the web. Video #1 talked about how every site and platform that is deemed as free really comes at the cost of your information. For example, if you’re using a free picture editing app, they can use the pictures you upload as advertisements. Video #2, demonstrates the consequences that allowing these platforms to access, use and sell your information can have. Your information can be sold to different third party organizations and they can use your information for good or for bad. The third video explains the pros and cons of facial recognition software. This highly powerful technology is still in it’s starting stages, so it isn’t as reliable as shown by high percentages of misidentification in the video, but demonstrates that there is a want for it from law enforcement agencies. The backlash stems from comparing this identification to the taking of fingerprints without consent, which is totally valid since our faces are being tracked and monitored without our consent.
As an exercise to see how much of our personal information these sites have, our professor told us to search My Activity feature and Ad Settings in Google . These sites knew exactly which sites I had visited and how long I stayed in each page. This allowed for Google to build a profile for which ads it would show me according to the history. Google assumes I am 65+ years old, am a female, frequently search for advertising and marketing things and really enjoy using Youtube. Most of the information it assumed about me was correct, so the ads it shows me are the ones whose target market meets my criteria and likewise.
Thankfully, there exist different extensions and software programs that limit the amount of information that can be accessed by these platforms. Disconnect is one of these extensions that helps secure it’s users’ security. I put it to the test by visiting two sites, Canva and Motel Rocks, that I frequently visit and the information that arose from that was alarming. Disconnect let me see the different sites that have access to my information just from visiting those two websites. Below are the images that exhibit this information.
It can be scary knowing how much of your information is being shared online and the threat that it poses. Some may use it as a wait to sell their products, but hackers can use it as a way to steal your identity. For these reasons, it is important to be aware of the dangers of sharing your information on the web and what steps you can take to protect yourself..
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