To see that you are safe, privacy tips for Chrome 11, Firefox 4, and Internet Explorer 9.
"1. Use limited, non-admin user accounts. Spying programs and Web attacks cannot do as much damage from these types of accounts.
"2. Clear browser data, especially cookies, when closing browser windows or tabs.
"3. Use browser privacy add-ons; examples include the Firefox extensions NoScript and BetterPrivacy, Abine's privacy add-ons for all three major browsers, and opt-out options for all browsers except Chrome. For Chrome, the ChromeBlock extension can help. Keep My Opt-Outs allows Chrome to retain opt-out cookies when cleaning other data. A Google Analytics opt-out extension is available for many browser versions. Click&Clean is available for all Big Three browsers and can do almost as good a job as CCleaner each time the browser is closed.
"4. Clean up everything personal with CCleaner when closing up shop for the day — more frequently, if you do a lot of banking or shopping where your credit card number was used.
"5. Do not store passwords in unencrypted files, and do not use the same password at different sites. Use RoboForm or a similar password manager to keep passwords where they cannot be easily accessed or seen.
"6. And of course, there's the usual advice on changing router passwords; not broadcasting IP addresses, SSIDs, and MAC addresses; avoiding Public Networks; etc. [Editor's note: see Becky Waring's May 5 article, 'Big-time Wi-Fi security for the small office.']
"7. More adventurous users can edit the browser configuration files to turn off geolocation. Be aware that this will render useless any apps and websites that find nearby businesses or service providers. [Editor's note: See the makeuseof.com article, 'How to disable or fake your location in Firefox, Internet Explorer & Chrome.']
"8. Webcams and microphones should be disabled when not in use. Wi-Fi should be turned off at the notification area or the keyboard when Internet access is not needed. Be aware of Flash Player and other apps that can be used by website operators to activate your webcam and microphone, and go to the settings pages to disable these default options.
"9. Know which of your programs and drivers (and helper objects) are phoning home without your permission. Be aware of outgoing Internet activity on your computer and your router. There are free programs that can help monitor these activities. [Editor's note: For examples, see the Oct. 21, 2010, LangaList article, "What's using your Internet connection?"] Even Process Explorer can be used to find out which programs are phoning home. Closing ports on your router can help a lot in reducing unwanted traffic.
"10. Do periodic file-level antispyware security scans, just in case something slips through. Use two or three scanners from different publishers.
"Online privacy often comes down to one thing: common sense. Be aware of what you are clicking on. Don't just give away personal information when someone asks. Make sure you know who is asking and why they need to know; when in doubt, just disconnect and think it over — especially when responding at social media sites."
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