Along with the increased use of the internet as a medium of exchange for goods and services comes the need to find the correct balance between the appropriate use of information for business purposes and real privacy protection for individuals. But there are ten key ways in which internet users can protect their personal privacy. Do not disclose your information such as your address, phone number or e-mail address, unless you know WHO is collecting the information, WHY they are collecting it, and HOW they will use it. Your browser is used to navigate the internet and should comply with industry security standards using a technology like secure sockets layer encryption. The SSL technology encrypts or scrambles your internet transaction information, thereby ensuring the security of your transaction.
Most computers come with a browser already installed.
You should check to see that it incorporates SSL technology. You can also download more secure browser versions from the internet at no cost. Look at the merchant's Web site address, referred to as the uniform resource locator, or 'URL,' to see whether the site is secure. In addition, review the security disclosures of the sites you visit, along with their privacy policies regarding the collection and use of your personal information. Some disclosures are easier to locate than others.