Another anonymous hacker made claims on the Internet that he had stumbled onto a number belonging to Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates. Authorities have confirmed to us that it was untrue. There are enough true stories of cyber crime to indicate that while the Internet has opened up the world for computer users, it s also created a new way for someone to steal your identity. And even if you re never a victim of Internet crime, there s a good chance you re being watched. The Internet has created sophisticated tools for advertisers to track you as you wander through virtual stores.
Anonymity is more illusion than reality on the Web, privacy experts say.
The advertisements that flash on your computer screen are not like commercials you re used to watching on television. They tell advertising companies where you ve been. So it s no coincidence when ads popping up on your computer screen are related to sites you ve visited. When you decide to make a purchase on the Internet, most large commercial Web sites use encryption techniques considered virtually impenetrable to hackers. They store the information behind electronic firewalls.