If you store credit card numbers, electronic bank statements, account numbers, and other personal data on your computer you are at risk. The risk is even greater if you have a broadband or DSL connection that is available 24/7.
Spyware are programs that typically enter your computer through your browser. These programs can compromise your personal data. Additionally there are millions of hackers out there looking for ways to get into your computer. The internet is not the only way your personal data can be compromised. Your computer can be stolen or compromised within your home.
What can you do?
(1) Ensure that you have up to date anti-virus software installed. If you run Windows 2000 or XP both Avast and Antivir are great programs that have freeware versions. Google the names to find their websites. Both programs offer auto updates.
(2) Enable the Windows firewall and ensure that you have the latest Windows service pack and security patches installed.
(3) Use antispyware software. SuperAntiSpyware, AdAware, Spyware Blaster, and Spyware Terminator are all freeware programs that do a good job. Run them regularly and get frequent updates. Spyware is so prevalent it is a good idea to use more than one of these programs. Also, install McAffee SiteAdvisor. It is also free. This program works with Yahoo and Google and lets you know if you are going to a safe or unsafe site. Half the battle is not going to unsafe sites.
(4) Turn off your computer or turn off your cable modem when you are not online. Most cable modems have an on-off button. Log off your computer when it is not being used. This will keep you safe at home, though it will not keep you safe from internet intruders.
Is doing all of this enough?
Doing these four things will be a great start. There is still more that you can do. Obtain a copy of Cryptainer. This program comes in a freeware and shareware version. This programs allows you to turn one or more of your Windows folders into a vault as safe as Fort Knox.
The freeware version is limited to holding 25mb per folder which should be more than sufficient for most folks needs. This is a very secure program so you do not want to lose your password. Forget your password and you will never get to your files again.
You can get the free version of cryptainer from the http://anglesanddangles.com website. It can be found under the software tab.
13 responses so far ↓
1 b9t7gt8 // Oct 9, 2008 at 6:03 am
I don’t
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2 teddy // Oct 9, 2008 at 6:05 am
no, nor anyone now, the government and just about everyone cannot seem to keep our private details just that, private.
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3 Mungkie // Oct 9, 2008 at 6:07 am
I DONT ESPECIALLY SINCE A COMPANY THAT WORKS CLOSELY WITH THEM TOOK OUT 4 TIMES THE AMOUNT OF MONEY THEY WERE MENT TO AND EMPTIED MY BANK ACCOUNT!
I HAVE NOW GOT THIS SORTED AND GOT TH MONEY BACK BUT THEY STILL WILL NOT ADMIT TO ANYTHING BEEN DONE WRONGLY!
ANYHOO!
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4 Ollie // Oct 9, 2008 at 6:09 am
I do not trust them they have too much information & certainly have no right giving it to a third party.
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5 Bardic // Oct 9, 2008 at 6:11 am
They don't give away your data to car park operators, they sell it.
Personally, I think the loophole in the Data Protection Act which allows disclosure to commercial organisations should be closed and access restricted only to "official" organisations such as the police.
Anyway, you'll probably find your personal details on some flash pen lying around a pub somewhere . . .
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6 ALAN R // Oct 9, 2008 at 6:13 am
they can have my data for what it’s worth!
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7 Kaz // Oct 9, 2008 at 6:15 am
I don’t think you can trust anyone these days, but what choice do we have especially people like DVLA.
It seems the more high tec equipment we have for putting data on, the less secure this data is.
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8 Adrian C // Oct 9, 2008 at 6:17 am
No I think they sell your data unless you tick a box about information when you tax your car this situation is a disgrace.
This together with all the information that is lost left on laptops in cars to be stolen or thrown in the garbage, this will only get worse when the new IDs come into being. I do not trust any government department to look after personal information.
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9 cuddlyclaud // Oct 9, 2008 at 6:19 am
Absolutely NOTHING is safe, we live in a big brother world now, sadly governed by people who want to control our every movement.
Every time you use the internet, fill out an official form, take part in a survey, or use your stores clubcard, or your credit/debit card you are putting information about yourself in the public domain and it can be accessed by anyone who is prepared to go to the trouble of finding it.
ID cards anyone?.
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10 tomtom // Oct 9, 2008 at 6:21 am
I would not trust the DVLA(or any other government organisation) to clean my toilet,let alone anything else!!
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11 WelshLad // Oct 9, 2008 at 6:23 am
If you had an accident with another vehicle, and all you had was the registration number and the only way is to contact your insurance company who gets a solicitor, then you wouldn’t mind the solicitor getting the details of the other driver’s details from the DVLA would you!!!
If you obey the car parking laws/rules then you will be safe.
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12 grenmatta // Oct 9, 2008 at 6:25 am
No
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13 charugupte // Oct 9, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Do you trust DVLA for Keeping your personal DATA safe?
The answer to the question is BIG NO. They give away your data to private Clamper,Car parks around Airports, who just collect money and no appeal is ever answered. Question is “IS DVLA RIGHT TO GIVE AWAY YOUR PERSONAL DATA?”
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