In today’s connected world, where technology plays such a central role in our lives, our privacy and security can sometimes be compromised. According to a report from the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, middle-aged and older adults accounted for 60% of victims of Internet crime in 2021, losing over $4 billion to hackers and scammers. However, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones from these digital disasters.
One of the common concerns people have is whether their devices are listening to their conversations. While it is theoretically possible for apps to activate your phone’s microphone and record audio, extensive research has shown that this is not a common practice. Instead, companies collect vast amounts of data from other sources, such as tracking technologies that record our screen activity, web searches, and interests.
For example, when you download and use apps, you often inadvertently share GPS tracking data, allowing companies to log your movements and activities. This data can then be used to target you with personalized ads. Additionally, voice assistants like Amazon’s Alexa do listen to your conversations, and the transcripts can be collected and shared with advertising partners. However, you can choose to opt out of this data collection.
It’s important to understand that companies make money off our data by creating detailed profiles about us and using that information to target advertising. The data collected includes personal information, demographic details, and behavioral patterns. Advertisers then bid on the opportunity to display their ads to specific groups of people based on these profiles.
To protect yourself, it’s essential to be aware of the threats and take steps to secure your digital footprint. This includes using strong, unique passwords and regularly updating them, being cautious about clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown files, and using reputable security software to protect your devices.
In summary, while our increasing reliance on technology and connectivity opens us up to potential privacy and security risks, there are measures we can take to protect ourselves. By understanding the ways in which our data is collected and used, and by implementing best practices for cybersecurity, we can safeguard our personal information and enjoy the benefits of the digital age.
Definitions:
– Data Broker: A company that collects and sells data to other companies or individuals.
– Data Breach: When sensitive data is exposed and can be stolen or used by unauthorized individuals.
– Dark Web: A collection of websites that require specialized browsers and often used for illegal activities.
– Spoofing: The use of fake information to deceive and trick individuals.
– Phishing: Scams that use deceptive techniques to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information.
– Malware: Malicious software designed to harm or gain unauthorized access to a computer or network.
– Password Manager: An application or program that securely stores and manages passwords.
(Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, David Choffnes, Ph.D., Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute of Northeastern University)