Throughout the day there are moments that can be considered to be a summary of your information technology news today. Whether you’re reading articles or watching television, these seven moments can help you get a sense of how information technology is affecting you and your life.
ISPs have a problem with privacy
Several major Internet Service Providers have a problem with privacy. They gather and use consumer data in surprising ways. They collect personal information about customers’ online activities, including their internet history, financial information, health data, app usage, and location data. They sell the information to advertisers. They block websites based on users’ IP addresses. They create customer profiles that reflect the interests of their customers.
Internet Service Providers can sell people’s data to advertisers in many jurisdictions. They also have the ability to censor content in some countries. However, there is no federal law that regulates the practice.
One of the biggest American ISPs, T-Mobile, admitted to selling customers’ location data. Verizon and Sprint also admitted to selling their mobile broadband customers’ location data.
The Federal Trade Commission recently released a report on the privacy practices of major ISPs. It found a race to the bottom in terms of data collection and use. Most ISPs are unwilling to sell sensitive data to advertisers without consent. This practice has serious implications for digital rights.
A group of ISPs also dropped their bid to overturn Maine’s toughest privacy rules. Maine requires companies to obtain consent from customers before selling or sharing their data. It covers precise geolocation data, billing information, details derived from internet usage, and social security numbers.
ISPs have a problem with security
Taking simple precautions can protect you from a security compromise. Similarly, ISPs can protect themselves from legal action. They must ensure that they take all necessary measures to avoid service interruptions. They should also inform customers of the risks associated with their Internet connection.
An intrusion detection system is a security tool available to ISPs. It monitors network traffic and alerts the administrator if an intrusion is detected. It can be set up to monitor a subnet or outside of the firewall. It can also destroy bad packets.
It’s also possible for an ISP to provide customers with links to security-oriented websites. They can also offer classes on Internet security. It’s also important to keep up to date on virus protection software.
Taking the time to install a personal firewall on your computer can be a good idea. It can prevent malware from slowing down infected systems. Using SSL (Secure Socket Layer) can enhance user security.
Using a proxy system to protect your Internet connection is a good idea. It will alert you if you are sending spam or spying on someone else’s computer.
Another way to protect yourself is to segment your traffic. It protects your data from malware and hackers. It also helps your ISP avoid penalties for bandwidth throttling.