Privacy is synonymous with freedom and liberty. Unfortunately, Internet privacy is not respected in the world we surf in. Defend yourself against deliberate intrusions by: malicious hackers, id thieves, overzealous marketers, unscrupulous service providers, 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 can I do to protect my 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, financial details and Internet usage from falling into the wrong hands.

1.- Do not fall for free software or services offers in exchange for personally identifiable information (PII). These people exploit & benefit far more from maintaining a relationship with you than you will ever know. Once you place any personal info, location, pictures or video on a social network or fill in form (register)- you can loose ownership including all of your your contacts. Be aware that most Internet service providers (ISP's) consider your personal info their "business asset" to use as they see fit. They track your every move to deliver targeted advertising and sell your user data to the highest bidder. Look out for privacy policies that allow your info to be transferred or located in far away places. Laws on PII or privacy are virtually non- existent. What the policy says and what can happen through a breach or change in policy are issues you have no control over.

2.- Take an active role to protect your own Internet privacy by saying "No!". Especially to requests for personal information, such as age/gender, phone #, address, religion & authenticity.
If there is not a good reason, along with details on how it will be used, - refuse to provide it. So what if you can not get on their site- there are lots of other great sites the world wide web.
Be aware. there are organizations that collect user data from millions of users for profiling, like FaceBook sign up questions. Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Yahoo, AOL, MySpace, etc.

3.- 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. If you really feel you have to register, fill in only the basic info needed, which does not identify specifically. Or, use a separate e-mail address and personal profile for sites you are sure of or do not long term contact with. Your IP address can be easily captured but it does not reveal your personal address or profile. Yes, law enforcement can request those details if justified.
4.- 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.
5.- Use High Quality Internet security software. It helps to protect your personally identifiable information by making your computer less venerable to Internet privacy violations and identity theft. Do not expect freeware or social networks sites to be discrete.
Use spyware removal software and a two way firewall are bare minimum to protect your Internet privacy, files & settings. We suggest 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. Many Internet security suites have built- in privacy features that need to be adjusted to your individual needs, such as the filtering safe sites, family protection by blocking inappropriate sites, etc.
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 protection from malware attacks by updating only once a week when outbreaks happen several times a day.
6.- 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.
7.- Use computer cleansing utilities 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!

July 31, 2011- Bill Reintroduced- The Data Security Act of 2011 would require financial establishments, retailers, and federal agencies to safeguard sensitive information, investigate security breaches and notify consumers when there is a substantial risk of identity theft or account fraud. Requirements would apply to retailers who take credit card information, data brokers who compile private information and government agencies that possess non public personal information. 
We feel this type of law needs quick notification requirements in the event of a breach!