Impact of the Internet - Privacy and Security

Internet and Anonymity

• The Internet's convenience comes with a drawback: loss of anonymity.

• Online purchases and activities lead to tracking of personal information and buying habits.

• Basic tasks like dinner reservations require sensitive data: name, phone, email, credit card.

• Publicly shared info: names, photos, family, locations can be accessed by anyone online.

Privacy Awareness

• Review privacy policies before using any online service.

• Understand the trade-offs of sharing personal information; weigh the benefits against risks.

• Many companies aim to improve user experience with their products, often in exchange for personal data.

• Ensure that shared information does not fall into malicious hands.

Government Regulation of Privacy

• Privacy concerns extend beyond individual issues; they affect governments as well.

• In Europe, strict data regulations are implemented to help citizens gain control over their personal information.

• The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) regulates how information is collected from children under 13.

• Numerous other examples of privacy regulation exist across the globe.

Copyright Issues

• The Internet raises significant copyright and intellectual property concerns.

• Example: An individual's graphic might be stolen and sold by a stranger.

• Companies are being established to address copyright infringement and protect intellectual property rights.

• Open source projects thrive through collaborative work facilitated by the Internet, showing a positive side to online sharing.

Computer Security Concerns

• Cybersecurity issues affect both personal and professional realms.

• Increase in targeted attacks on companies (e.g., WannaCry in 2017).

• WannaCry attack infected hundreds of thousands of computers, resulting in over a billion dollars in losses; affected hospitals’ ability to provide critical care.

• Previous significant attacks (e.g., 2011 Sony PlayStation Network breach, exposing 77 million accounts).

• Cybersecurity is crucial and should be a shared responsibility, not just for specialized engineers.

• As an IT support specialist, having a foundational understanding of computer security is essential.

• Working in security helps protect individuals and their devices globally.