Author Archives: The Privacy Advocate

target phishing scams

What is Cyber Crime and How can you Prevent it?

Cyber is a technical term that is related to and associated with computers and computer networks.  It is especially more so, involved with operations that are done on the Internet. On the other hand, security, a common term used by individuals today, refers to a state or condition of freeness from dangers or threats.

What is cyber security?

With the definition of cyber and security above, cyber security can therefore be appropriately described as the protecting of computers, networks, programs and data from unauthorized and intended access that may result in modification or even destruction. Continue reading

cloud technology

What is Cloud Computing?

Once you are an Internet user, you have used the cloud. Users might not understand what the cloud is but once you have used e-mail before, you have most definitely used the cloud.

What is the cloud?

The cloud refers to the storage and accessing of data and programs over a broadband connection instead of a storage device such as your computer’s hard drive. In other words, the cloud can be described as the Internet. The fundamental principle behind the cloud is pretty simple and straightforward. The cloud allows any and everyone to execute applications on their computers without having to make purchase, installation or having been able to manage their own servers. Everything that hosts your information, applications and files remains hidden from your sight. Be assured however that your information is available to you when you need it. These remain within the metaphorical cloud.

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committing cybercrime

What can I do to Promote Network Security?

A network is comprised of two or more computers that are connected in order to share its resources, exchange files and even allow computers to communicate. These resources that are shared include printers and others.  On the other hand, security refers to freedom from risk or danger. In effect, network security refers to the protection of computer networks from different threats and risks.

There are significant reasons as to the need for network safety or protection arises. Problems over a network arise for the following reasons: Continue reading

security of a computer

What is Computer Security and What Does it Involve?

Many people are concerned with the security of their computers as a result of the many threats and security risks that are inclined to affect computers that are connected to the Internet. With all these online threats on the rise, there became the need to put computer security (CS) measures in place.

What is computer security?

As the composition of the terms, computer and security, highlights the security of a computer. It refers to the protection and safety of computer systems and the data and information that is stored within. Continue reading

Internet security

Common types of Internet Security Software

There are various types of Internet security software products on the market today. Some claim to offer comprehensive protection against all online threats. On the other hand, there are numerous others which boast only of reducing the dangers posed by specific hazards. Some of aforementioned alternatives are extremely costly, requiring their purchasers to shell out significant sums of money to acquire the type of protection that they purport to offer. On the other hand, there are numerous others which cost users nothing upfront. Continue reading

Internet harassment

What is Spam? Can it be stopped?

What is spam? Spam is spreading or sending different copies of the same message to many people as a way to coerce them into taking a lot of these unsolicited messages with the expectation that they might be interested in a specific product or service. Spam is mostly used as a means of promoting things for commercial purposes. They are often used for get rich schemes, services that might seem legal but are illegal in nature etc. Continue reading

Ensuring privacy online

Combating Threats to Online Privacy in the 21st Century

It is very difficult to guarantee one’s privacy on the Internet, due to the fact that the World Wide Web is a space which is very difficult to regulate. There are no universal laws which are in existence to protect the online privacy of individuals. There are also numerous threats that are out there which make it extremely hard for “netizens” to keep their sensitive personal information and browsing histories from falling into the wrong hands. The following are some the measures that can be employed by individuals to ensure that these precious nuggets of information are kept private: Continue reading

online safety strategy

A Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety for Kids

Kids are probably the most vulnerable users of the Internet. They are frequently preyed upon by many people because they are not mature enough to protect themselves as effectively as the average adult is able to. Protecting them from being abused or violated demands that their parents, guardians, or siblings are extremely vigilant in monitoring the activities in which they engage when online. It also requires that the adults directly responsible for their care and protection, educate them on what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior on the World Wide Web. Due to the fact that children hold the key to the future, Internet safety for kids is extremely important. Continue reading

personal online safety

5 Internet Safety Tips that Everyone should Follow

The Internet plays a very big role in the lives of billions of people in the United States and many other countries around the globe. With each passing year, it appears that more people are spending more of their time online as they enjoy all of the exciting opportunities and activities that the World Wide Web puts at their fingertips. While the benefits of Internet access are undeniable, there are a few negative aspects associated with life in this virtual domain that cannot be overlooked. The threats posed to the personal security and financial resources of Web users are among the factors which prompt the formulation and adherence to various lists of Internet safety tips. Continue reading

Security on the Web

Combating Modern Threats to Website Security

Websites are the locations that people visit when they venture on to the Internet. They are virtual spaces where masses of people can congregate to communicate, shop, or engage in a host of other activities. Increasingly, many websites are coming under attack from a wide variety of threats which are floating around on the World Wide Web. These dangers include malicious programs that can damage or destroy the information which is stored on the various servers that support them. They also include the hazards posed to the integrity of data and network infrastructure by hackers. The aforementioned threats and a wide range of other potential dangers have pushed the issue of website security to the fore. Continue reading