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Anonymity and Privacy on the Web: What Users Need to Know
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Anonymity and privacy have become big issues when it comes to using
the Web. In this article, MedZilla addresses some misconceptions
about how anonymous people are when surfing the net and how to take
advantage of the Internet’s benefits without sacrificing privacy.
This article offers simple tips from a privacy expert, including how
to know if a site is secure. Marysville, WA (PRWEB) December 5, 2003 -- The Internet has given people a world of new options for managing their lives and lifestyles, but that newfound freedom brings with it new obstacles. Job-seeking, banking and shopping activities can all expose Internet users to anonymity and privacy issues. By using simple steps, Web users can minimize those concerns and maximize the convenience and efficiency of the Web. “The Internet has made life so much easier,” says Frank Heasley, PhD, president and CEO of MedZilla.com, a leading Internet recruitment and professional community that serves biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and science. “With a click of the mouse, a job candidate can reach hundreds of interested employers and recruiters; you can shop for items in the comfort of your home, pay your bills via the Web, make flight reservations in minutes and communicate effortlessly with coworkers, family or friends on the other side of the globe. But the Internet is a powerful tool, and like any powerful tool it needs to be used with caution.” Finding a job Jordana Beebe, communications director of the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, a consumer information and advocacy group based in San Diego, Calif., says there are rules of thumb when posting resumes online. She says that prospective employees need to be careful about the kind of information they post online. “We’re discovering that there are data miners or direct marketers who will specifically go through various types of job postings on the Internet to glean consumers’ telephone numbers, names, addresses and email addresses,” Beebe says. “What we are recommending to consumers is that they decrease the amount of personal information they post online regarding their whereabouts, names and phone numbers. In general, if you are going to post your resume online, use a throwaway type of email address that you use specifically to post resumes, so when you do find a job, you will not be deluged by emails from 'spammers.'” She warns that people shouldn’t think they can post resumes on the Web without their current employers finding out. To minimize that possibility, candidates can take simple precautions, including using their first initials and last names, rather than their full names. Job seekers should always check the privacy policy of resume Web sites, and pay close attention to how long those sites store resumes. “Before you even post the resume, check and make sure you can delete the resume after you’ve gotten the job,” she says. |