The Internet seems like a wonderful and resourceful place, but one of its biggest caveats is cyber threats. Whatever website you visit, they’re requesting or simply extracting personal information from you; you never know if it’s for your benefit or exploitation on their part. You don’t realize how your computer gets infected by malware or when a hacker obtains access to your online database.
We heavily rely on the internet for day-to-day tasks, leaving digital footprints everywhere online. How do we protect ourselves from unknown intruders in the vast cyberspace? What do we do if we’re targeted by a malicious entity on the World Wide Web? Today, we’ll acquaint ourselves with federal/state laws that were founded to protect us and learn how to evade internet privacy issues on our own.
Internet Privacy Laws In The US
Online privacy concerns have significantly grown over the past two decades; thus, the implication of broader and stricter laws makes sense. A single law would be inadequate to tackle the multifaceted issue of cybercrime, so an array of state and federal laws is applicable:
The Federal Trade Commission Act
The Federal Trade Commission Act (FTC) issued in 1914 goes against unfair or deceptive commercial practices. This act is the primary federal law in the general privacy department and prosecutes guilty individuals and companies. Legal action can be taken against those who don’t comply with circulated privacy policies, as well as those who refuse to take mandatory measures for protecting personal information.
Electronic Communications Privacy Act
The Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) issued in 1986 safeguards all kinds of wired, wireless, and electronic communications from access and intervention by unauthorized sources or personnel. This includes conversations made through telephone, email, and other modern devices of this era.
Computer Fraud & Abuse Act
The Computer Fraud & Abuse Act (CFAA) issued in 1986 controls various computer-related illegal activities. Firstly, it addresses unlawful access to a computer to obtain sensitive or protected information. Additionally, it deals with fraudulent practices to obtain anything of value or transfer harmful articles to a computer.
Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act
The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) issued in 1998 instructs certain websites and vendors to attain parental consent before collecting personal information from minors, as well as distributing it or utilizing it in any other way. Subjected entities are also required to publish their privacy policy, warrant basic security, and limit the acquisition of personal information to necessary details only.
Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act
The Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act (CAN-SPAM Act) issued in 2003 oversees the distribution of unsolicited commercial emails. It forbids the use of fabricated data and misleading subject lines used in phishing. Moreover, senders are required to disclose valid information about themselves and offer a legitimate opt-out method to recipients.
Financial Services Modernization Act
The Financial Services Modernization Act (GLBA) issued in 1999 regulates the nature of personal information gathered or held by financial institutions. It requires all active financial organizations to publish customer notices and elaborate details about their security system.
Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act
The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) issued in 2003 obliges financial enterprises and creditors to establish and sustain identity theft prevention programs.
Guidelines To Protect Yourself Online
Even though state and federal laws exist to protect you in case a breach of privacy occurs, you must adhere to safe internet usage practices to avoid this kind of scenario. Here’s how you can avoid being targeted by hackers and ensure that your personal information does not fall into the wrong hands:
Sticking to a Reliable Internet Service Provider
Signing up with a reliable internet provider that includes reasonable security features in all internet plans is the first step to staying safe online. We suggest you go with Xfinity Internet because it is a prominent name in the United States, and is known for excellent customer service across 41 states. As an Xfinity customer, you get free access to millions of secure WiFi hotspots nationwide.
Using an Effective Anti-Virus Application
Do you have a trusted anti-virus application on all of your personal devices? If not, install one ASAP, and if you’re already using one, make sure it’s active and up-to-date. These applications identify and warn you of malicious websites, as well as block infected files from affecting your system.
Regular Browser Cleanup
Websites collect your data by transferring cookies. These cookies may track your online activities and record your purchasing habits, which can be sent to third parties without your consent. Therefore, do not accept cookies from unknown online platforms, and regularly clean up your browser to remove these tracking elements.
Avoiding Suspicious Links and URLs
Clicking on malicious links posted on social media or URLs sent through text/email from unfamiliar sources can make you vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Never send any personal or sensitive information without verifying the sender. Look for anomalies or inconsistencies in the sender’s address and company details.
Using a VPN
If you have to connect to the internet using a public network, you can protect yourself from potential cyber threats by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). The VPN masks your IP address and encrypts your personal data, so hackers don’t get to you.
Have you ever experienced a cyber attack or dealt with online threats? Let us know how you handled it, and share valuable advice with other readers like yourself.
