Internet Privacy Protection?

Privacy is synonymous with freedom and liberty. Unfortunately, Internet privacy is not respected in the computer world we surf in. Defend yourself against deliberate intrusions by: malicious hackers, id thieves, overzealous marketers, unscrupulous service providers and invasive software & hardware vendors. Most do not ask permission before helping themselves to your ID, computer resources and data. Even governments charged with safe keeping our identity constantly loose, misplace or abuse your privacy.

What to do to protect your Internet privacy?
Fight back! Similar to installing a lock on your door, several proven Internet security & Privacy software solutions are available to help deter and prevent others from intruding & violating your privacy. By maintaining a "Clean Machine", you can prevent personal information and Internet usage from falling into the wrong hands.
1.- Do not fall for free software or services in exchange for personally identifiable info. They benefit far more from this relationship than you will ever know. Once you place any personal info, pictures or video on a social network- you loose ownership including your contacts. Be aware that most Internet service providers (ISP's) consider your personal info their "business asset". They track your every move to deliver targeted advertising and sell your user data to the highest bidder. Look for privacy policies that allow your info to be transferred to far away places where laws on personally identifiable information or privacy are virtually non- existent.
2.- Take an active role to protect your own Internet privacy by saying "No!" to requests for personal information. If there is not a good reason, along with details on how it will be used, - refuse to provide it.
Be aware. there are organizations that collect user data from millions of users for profiling, like FaceBook. By completing most surveys or registrations, you are effectively giving full control over your personal information to others. Most opt- out instructions are vague and difficult to complete on purpose- with no assurance your directions will be honored anyway.
When signing up for toolbars- services or social networks- providers can not tell if you name is not "John Doe" or if you were born in 1897. Identity theft can start with as little as two key pieces of your identity, such as name- address.
3.- Use Quality Internet security software. It protects and makes your computer less venerable to Internet privacy violations and identity theft. Do not expect freeware or social networks to be discrete.
Use spyware removal software and a two way firewall to protect your Internet privacy, files & settings. Internet Security suites  are needed to provide more comprehensive coverage. By changing even one non-default setting, you will appear as less appetizing to automated probing, spyware & robot kit intruders.
Be aware that on-line services make your computer appear "the same" on the Internet with only default settings- theirs. A bonus for predators, evaders & bots and advertisers. Their protection services only protect you while on the Internet- not from USB drives- CD/DVD's or your local network. Even your operating system does not provide continuous malware attacks by updating only once a week when outbreaks happen every hour.
4.- Be more demanding in by protecting your own computer privacy and security. You can surf anonymously to shield you from identity theft, bogus web sites, instant messaging capture & email tracking. Encrypt email & files to stop them from being altered or captured with traceable identity information. Be more proactive with government to stop the illegal flow of your info.Do not do business with organization that just pay lip service to existing privacy legislation.
Use computer cleansing software to eliminate computer registry entries from old trial, shareware and pirated software & traces of social networking you thought were removed. Plus, it greatly improve system performance. A data destruction program is vital to permanently removing deleted files & emails & instant messaging and will clear your cache, remove temp files & surfing trails from uTube, Facebook, etc. improving Internet security.
These preventive measures and protection software will go along way to deter identify theft and preserve your Internet privacy.

Privacy is a Right...not to be Left!