Internet Vulnerability in Today\'s Fast

Internet Vulnerability

In today's fast paced Internet society, there is great risk for consumers in terms of the loss of their personal identity, their loss of privacy, and fraud. With each online transaction, email, blog posting, and online search for information, consumers open themselves for a variety of criminal action against them, often unwittingly. In addition to the criminal activities practiced online, there are several legal, yet questionable activities by a variety of companies and even the government that can endanger one's privacy and identity (Rheingold, 186). While the Internet certainly introduces several privacy and identity theft issues, however, informed consumers can protect themselves against such losses.

This paper discusses the vulnerability of citizens and consumers in terms of Internet transactions, examining both criminal activities as well as legitimate, yet privacy endangering activities. In addition, this paper will discuss ways in which consumers can protect themselves against such activities. Through this examination, this discussion can assist consumers in avoiding the possible problems related to Internet communications.

One major problem in relation to internet usage is identity theft. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, identity theft can be thought of as "all types of crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person's personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain" (USDOJ, online). Identity theft can often involve the theft of one's bank account, credit card, telephone calling card, and social security numbers, as well as other identifying data. This theft can result in unauthorized bank withdrawals, credit transactions, and even loans, vehicle purchases, and other high priced debts that the consumer is unaware are being created. Ultimately, these types of identity theft issues result in large out-of-pocket expenses, not only to pay off unauthorized debt, but also in legal fees, fines, late fees, and other associated payments (USDOJ, online).

In the current era, the Internet has become a primary area of concern in relation to identity theft. For criminals looking to gain personal information, the Internet provides a wealth of opportunity through online shopping, stored personal information, online banking, and even through chat rooms and other forms of interactive communication. Often, unknowing consumers provide information directly to criminals without even being aware.

One technique criminals use involves a form of fraudulent email called 'phishing'. Phishing, also called carding or brand spoofing, uses fake emails claiming to come from legitimate companies and banking institutions, such as Citibank, eBay, PayPal, Best Buy, and other companies. The message often includes company logos, standard formatting, and disclaimers. Often, the emails include a link to a website, and ask the recipient to log into the website and 'confirm' personal information such as account numbers, passwords, and credit card numbers. However, the link provided in the email takes consumers to a fraudulent website, where tracking programs log information entered by consumers, and send the information to the criminal individuals (Bielski, 9).

Another method of identity theft involves hacking, or the illegal breach of a company's database information to obtain stored customer files. Criminals can locate loopholes in particular ISP's, or Internet Service Providers, and obtain access to stored consumer credit cards, account numbers, social security numbers, addresses, and other information. This can then be used to authorize illegal bank transactions, credit card transactions, obtain loans, and even reroute associated paperwork. Such identity theft, according to some researchers, affects 20% of consumers (Bielski, 9).

While identity theft by the criminal population is an issue when accessing websites, there is also risk even in storing personal information on home computers. Certain computer programs, easily hidden in fraudulent emails and website downloads, can contain Trojans and viruses that open a system to hackers. Once in the system, these individuals can then access any personal information stored on the system which contain user names and passwords, as well as banking information and other personal data (Sinrod, 16).

A recent study revealed over 90% of broadband users sampled had computer systems infected with Spyware. Spyware, a common term in today's society, is software that appears on a system through websites and downloaded files, and tracks online behavior. Results of this tracking are then sent to companies and criminals, who use the information for both legitimate and illegitimate actions. Some programs are even able to track keystrokes and take snapshots of computer screens, allowing criminals even more information, such as credit card numbers and usernames (Bahl, 219).

While the obtaining of information through fraud is a problem related to Internet activity, there are other concerns with privacy that are still considered legal. For example, a company can obtain your personal information from transactions, and legally sell that information to the highest bidder (Sinrod, 17). While information traded between companies can increase competition, when the information is purchased by unscrupulous buyers, such transactions can threaten the security, privacy, and identity of consumers.

In addition, while restrictions exist on the government's collection of private and personal information from the Internet, loopholes exist that allow the government to obtain information without the knowledge of consumers. An example is the FBI's "Carnivore" system, developed to conduct surveillance of electronic communications by intercepting and collecting email and Internet searches (Dunham, 452). A portable device much like a phone tap, "Carnivore" was designed for court-ordered surveillance, but since the FBI controls the software, there is little civil regulation.

In addition to this form of privacy invasion, corporations are using employee tracking services more often in the workplace, as well. Numerous courts around the country have ruled that activities employees engage in on company Internets do not fall under the Constitutional protection of privacy. Companies are allowed the monitor phone calls, view all email messages, track online activities, including those believed deleted, and even track the number of keystrokes per day (Brin, 56).

While these clear vulnerabilities to identity theft, invasion of privacy, and fraud, are reasons for concern, consumers can protect themselves against such actions. The Center for Democracy and Technology lists several ways consumers can increase their online privacy. First, when using an Internet commerce site, consumers should view and read privacy policies to ensure the company preserves the integrity on online data. Additionally, the CDT suggests obtaining a separate, secure email account for online transactions and for children within the household. Third, clearing the computers temporary internet files and memory cache after browsing can protect consumers from hackers that can use these files to obtain personal information.