While Surfing the Internet, Don't Send Your Personal Data Out to Sea

You're reading this article on the Internet, right? Probably been surfing for a while, checking a few blogs, maybe doing some online shopping. Fun stuff. Just keep in mind that while you're surfing the 'net, don't toss your personal data out to sea where it's available for anyone to view, or worse, use.

This article lists a few precautionary tips for keeping your private data private while using the Internet:

• When you register for an email account, don't use your home address, private phone number, or other personal information. Instead, use a personal mailbox address, a work phone number, etc. Keep in mind there are online services that sell people's registration information to anyone.
• It's a good idea to have a "throw-away" email address that you use for online shopping, forms that require an email address, etc. You can set up such email addresses at Hotmail, Yahoo, Gmail, others (although you're required to register your data at these sites, you can sign up as Mickey Mouse at 1234 Big Ears Circle for all they care). Hushmail is another option (check out hushmail.com).
• Choose an e-mail account that does not reveal unnecessary information about you, such as where you attend school. For example, an e-mail address from a free Webmail service might be preferable to one with a .edu domain.
• Choose unusual passwords and change them regularly. Make passwords at least 7 letters long and include numbers mixed with meta-characters when possible (for example, s*72wt#8%). Never share your passwords with anyone.
• Don't open unsolicited or unknown email messages, and especially don't open any attachments from unknown users.
• Consider using an anonymous web browser. This will make it impossible for your web-surfing to be logged by websites, thus preventing others to pick up any information on you. Information on this service is located at http://www.anonymizer.com.
• When you register for a domain (your website address), don't use your home address or other personal information. Anyone can look up the owner of a domain name by using a service such as http://www.checkdomain.com or simply typing "whois" and the domain name. For example, use your personal mailbox instead of your home address. Better yet, for a small fee you can select an option to make all registration information private.
• Use anti-virus software, a firewall, and anti-spyware software to keep your computer safe and secure.
• Set your privacy settings on social networking communities (such as MySpace, Facebook, etc.) so your photos and personal data aren't viewable by the public. Set options that filter who can be added as a friend, etc., to your account. Remember, if you choose to be public on these sites, anybody can read anything you write.
• Discuss your safety and privacy requirements with your Internet service provider (ISP) and enlist their help and advice. You're paying them to use their service, and you have a right to assistance.

By taking such steps to safeguard your personal data, you'll ensure your private data stays private. Now grab your virtual surfboard and hit the Internet waves!

Colleen Collins-Kaufman is a professional private investigator and multi-published author. She and her business partner run a Colorado-based private detective agency, Highlands Investigations & Legal Services, Inc., that specializes in asset/background searches, criminal/civil investigations, domestic relations, legal research/writing, financial fraud, personal injury, skiptracing, and surveillance. To read more about their services, go to http://www.highlandsinvestigations.com