Tag: digital identity

Digital Privacy – An Elaborate Study Of Security In The Cyber World

June 19, 2019 / Jennifer P. / Comments Off

Many digital privacy questions have been asked around the internet, some regarding its benefits whereas others were more focused on its disadvantages. In order to give a better understanding of the whole concept of digital privacy, this article has been written to include all the digital privacy pros and cons, reforms, rules and, regulations.

Many digital privacy quizzes and tests are available on the internet in order to increase the knowledge of web browser users about how their personal information and search history may be at risk.

Digital Privacy – Advantages

Protects Those Vulnerable To Exploitation

This may include children who are using the internet without any adult supervision or even any permission. With an increase in digital privacy not only will any suspicious websites will be opened but any inappropriate content may also be blocked. Such a private browser may be UR-Browser, this contains the ability to automatically scan any opened websites for viruses and later block them.

Easier To Access All Websites

Similarly, many websites or applications may not be accessible in various countries. With the use of a private browsing system and a virtual private network, many of the said websites or applications can be obtained as these private browsers hide your actual location.

Creates A Balanced System

Many “special” users on the internet who are said to be conspiracy theorists always wait for the opportunity for the government to interfere into the daily lives of regular citizens. When internet privacy is being undertaken, these theorists have little to no ability to comment on any posts or blogs which may be abusive or rude.

Digital Privacy – Drawbacks

Creates The Potential For Abuse

Although digital privacy is very important and beneficial, there may also be some cons that come with it. First of all, the use of private browsers and virtual private networks creates anonymity amongst many users. This, in turn, results in the ability for users to abuse others as they have no fear of getting caught. VPNs and private browsing networks hide the location and IP address of the user and block websites from gaining access to the user. Thus, people may become abusive by using profane language and comments on different applications or software.

May Harm Businesses and Their Market Tracking

Many companies and businesses may use internet tracking in order to gain more information on potential customers by looking up their interests and likes on the different websites that they access and the pages and accounts that they have liked or followed on various social media applications.

Digital privacy protection may hide all this information from marketers which will make it difficult for them to verify whether or not customers may be interested in their products.

Digital Privacy Regulations

Different countries have different rules and regulations regarding digital privacy, however, most of them tend to be of the same concept with the majority of laws being similar. For instance, in 2012, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was introduced as a set of rules and regulations in the European Union that was designed to protect internet users from the tracking and unfair data collection of any kind.

The user must be sure that the certain browser or virtual private network (VPN) that they use is in line with the laws of their country. The UR-Browser follows all the laws and regulations set by the EU regarding digital privacy which ensures its users that their data and personal information will remain safe and secure at all times.

Digital Privacy Risks

Another very important reason to use a private browser and/or a virtual private network is because of the risks involved with the concept of digital privacy.

Internet privacy threats and risks are a massive problem in the cyber world and they should be taken very seriously.

Public Wi-Fi

Although it may be slightly shocking, public Wi-Fi is actually extremely dangerous in context to digital privacy risks. This is due to the fact that public Wi-Fi networks have little to no encryption available, resulting in hackers and dangerous third parties being able to easily access the data going through your device and the World Wide Web.

However, through the use of private browsers such as the UR-Browser, this risk may be reduced.

Social Network Risks

Although many people use all social media applications, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc., they all do involve a very high-risk level.

Facebook includes the user’s location, pictures, phone number and, name, this makes it very easy for potential hackers or stalkers to gain a victim.

Twitter, on the other hand, includes the location of its users on their pictures and tweets.

Many social networking applications have introduced a measure to increase privacy such as including the options for sharing photos, videos and other information with only selected people. However, some other applications are still proving to be a risk to social media users.

Digital Privacy Solutions

The solutions to digital privacy may be too long to discuss. However, when considering software for solving the digital privacy problem, one should look for an application or software that is compatible on both the mobile phone and PC or Mac, has ensured safety policies and, follow legal rules as well.

Many websites and applications nowadays already include a digital privacy statement or privacy policy to make sure that the users are satisfied prior to use.

Digital Privacy Reform

Digital privacy has had many improvements over the last few years in various countries around the world. For instance, many countries have changed or updated the definition of “personal information” in privacy laws in order to make it more appealing to daily factors.

Furthermore, in the United States, the digital privacy Supreme Court case gained popularity in June 2018 when the Supreme Court announced that the Fourth Amendment will be applied to digital privacy matters as well. In more general terms, authorities will need a search warrant to trace and access the mobile phone and other electronic devices during a criminal investigation.

Just as so, many digital privacy reforms have taken place in Japan over the years. The most vital year being 2014, where many changes were bought to the Information Protection Act.

Digital Privacy And Its Relationship With Ethics – A Complicated Affair

May 29, 2019 / Jennifer P. / Comments Off

One thing about digital ethics and privacy is that many businesses and websites may not be sure of what should be labelled as ethical in terms of privacy. However, in the European Union, the GDPR helps to ensure the guidelines of protecting the data and personal information of users. As the world of technology expands, there may be even more ethical rules and regulations about digital privacy that one should be careful about.

What is Digital Ethics?

Digital ethics is a field of study that is concerned with the shape of technology in current times and how it will affect the social, moral and, the political existence of human beings. Many various terms can be found on digital security, ethics and, privacy on Quizlet.

Some popular topics in the context of digital ethics and privacy 2019 are the following;

Digital monopolies and how to overcome them
Digital Democracy
Can code and speech be considered similar?
Cloud Computing
Autonomous Machinery.

Many a time, ethics and digital privacy have not exactly gone hand in hand. This may be because some companies only gain profit by selling their user’s data to third party companies and businesses for marketing reasons.

This may be where digital privacy acts and regulations come in. These are created in order to ensure user privacy, thus, compiling with ethical factors. Private browsing software such as UR-Browser keeps an updated privacy policy which informs users how and when their data and personal information will be used.

Digital Privacy Acts Over the Years

Although there are different digital privacy acts for different countries, most of them tend to have the same concept and similar rules and regulations.

The Canadian digital privacy act 2015 includes rules of personal data collection. Some of which are, the fact that the user must consent to the whole process prior to the gathering of personal data, the collector must state the purpose of the personal information and when it will be used, protection from financial abuse and, protection from the fraud of any kind. The digital privacy act Section 10 was also amended in 2015.

Privacy acts as such are continuously updated for more efficient information each year. The digital privacy act 2017 was updated for various countries including Australia, Canada, the European Union, Japan, France, Germany, Israel, the United Kingdom, and, Italy.

Some of these updates consisted of, prevention of invasions of privacy for both online and offline matters, privacy principles for both government and private sector companies that collect the user’s personal information.

Canada

For the privacy act of Canada, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) was updated in 2017 to include specifically what kind of consent is valid for the collection, distribution and, destroying of personal data and information.

The European Union

As for the European Union, one update to its privacy act was the right for the controller to delete all personal data and information if the individual demands so. Moreover, when the purpose of the data has been completed the party who collected this information must remove it permanently.

UR-Browser compiles with all the privacy laws of the European Union, thus proving that it is a perfectly safe browser to use.

Japan

In Japan, privacy laws are from the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI) which was also updated in 2017. Some of the changes included updating of the definition of “personal information”, the introduction of criminal penalties for the misuse of information databases and, the right to privacy has been recognized in the official courts of Japan.

Digital Data Privacy in 2018

2018 is said to be the year that digital privacy and security got extremely real. Its importance increased widely in all types of industries. Digital privacy in 2018 began to receive many new updates and software. Different types of private browsing software and applications were introduced in 2018 as well as improved virtual private networks to hide the location and search history of a user.

Digital Privacy 2019

The time of writing, also 2019, is the most advanced year for digital privacy browsers. Many new and improved digital private browsers and VPNs have been introduced in the market with a very extensive range of features in each one.

For instance, the UR-Browser is not only a completely safe and secure browsing software but also comes with a built-in virus scanner and a virtual private network alongside many other amazing features.

Although technology has increased to extreme heights in 2019, there is still a sense of doubt among many users of the World Wide Web. So much so that around half of the users on the internet believe that complete and utter digital privacy is impossible and cannot be attained even with the use of the best private browsing applications or virtual private networks.

Digital Privacy in The Near Future

It is said across the internet that digital privacy in 2025 will be completely different than what users have seen up until now.

Many users believe that until 2025, a whole privacy rights infrastructure will be created. On the other hand, others believed that by 2025, the concept of privacy in online life will become a taboo subject and will not be understood nor appreciated by further generations.

Digital Privacy Rights – Christian Perspective

Digital privacy rights and ethics are also considered in the Christian religion. Some Christians may believe that the internet is a place of evil while thinking about the questionable material that is available on the World Wide Web. From a Christian perspective, some may accept technology and the internet whilst keeping in mind the positive uses of the internet.

In some cases, some people may believe that privacy was not a big issue in previous times just as it should not be now and that the government and other authorities have the right to access the private information of all internet users for legal purposes.

However, as time goes on, more and more religious perspectives on digital privacy updates are changing in order to meet the changing world and technology.

Privacy matters

Preserving your digital identity means using a secure browser

February 26, 2019 / Jennifer P. / Comments Off

When Leonard Kleinrock wrote his “Information Flow in Large Communication Nets” paper, back in 1961, he probably couldn’t have imagined what he was starting. The bold idea of this famous visionary put the wheels of history into motion, so today we have this glorious web of information and entertainment that connects us all. In between 2000 and 2009, the number of active internet users went from 194 million to whopping 1.858 billion all over the world. This huge network of networks called the internet has quickly become an integral part of our every-day lives.

The vast majority of people have at least some kind of online presence. Even the smallest specs of information on the internet, leaves a virtual footprint that can eventually point in the direction of the person who made it. Needless to say, preserving personal data and saving your digital identity from misuse is of utmost importance. The ability to interact online without endangering or sacrificing your personal privacy is vital to the future of the internet as a network that connects the world. Whether you keep your digital privacy or disclose your personal information with anyone, should be your own conscience choice. This issue raises more issues, such as the matter of the level of conscience of children whose parent let them use the internet freely and without any control. It has become very easy for anyone to use the advantages of the internet for malicious purposes. From identity thefts to social security frauds, it is clear that we should all start giving more thought to secure browsing and safety of our privacy in general. It may sound silly, but a proper privacy focused browser could save your life.

Secure browsers, the modern solution to a modern problem

Secure browsers, such as UR Browser, offer an array of carefully thought and developed features. Proper security browser doesn’t use third-party cookies and trackers that could collect your information for advertising purposes. Unsecured browsers are prone to sneaky advertisement and pop-up ads, that could ultimately ruin your internet experience completely. Most of the secure browsers also offer advance private browsing features. With already mentioned UR Browser this particular feature is called the Ninja Mode. These features basically enable you to surf completely incognito, so the passwords, browsing history or searches don’t get saved. Furthermore, the secure browser will always alert you to potentially malicious websites and redirect you to a more safer internet environment. In addition to this, all of your downloads are checked against know threats as malware and viruses and you can usually count on a variety of interesting features that can make you time spent on the internet even more carefree and enjoyable. Options such as personalization of your browser and quick accesses to your favorite websites are just an icing on the cake when it comes to useful traits of the secure browsers.

Each of these secure browsers has a mission to keep you and your precious information safe. Most of them are built as special ecosystems, with incentives and handy features. Though all secure browsers differ among themselves, their mutual aim is to “heal” the current state of the web. The best you can do is to thoroughly protect yourself and your family. Now that we’ve mentioned family, it is very important to consider that not all members of one household are equally tech-savvy. That is why it is also important to think about the appearance of the browser. Everyone should be able to use it easily and without difficulties. UR Browser, for example, has a very “clean-cut” look, without flashy and distracting colors, so it is convenient and easy to navigate. Elegant design and concise instructions make it a perfect fit for everyone, and that should be one of the main features too look for among privacy focused browsers.

The internet, one for all

Because of its numerous uses, the internet has become virtually all-encompassing. It is the largest knowledge database and ecommerce hub, but most importantly – it is where we connect. Our Email accounts have seemingly endless storage capacities, and the number of information exchanged there, as well as their value, can’t be measured. On the same note, identity protection comes to mind once again. The internet offers some of the most efficient means of communication, through apps, social networks, instant messages, blogging websites and more. Basically, whether you just want to chat with someone while you sip your morning cup of Joe, or you want to express your inner self, internet is the perfect place to do it. As far as the communication goes, it offers a platform for any kind of communication imaginable. Every platform we ever visited through an unsecure browser, has kept some kind of trace of our visit. Yet somehow, we still dear to disregard the benefits of our browser security and surf the web unprotected.

Aside from being an unlimited source of all kinds of information and making our lives easier, the internet also brought new kinds of perils which we are now forced to face. Loads of illegal and inappropriate material circulates through the internet every day. The number of computer viruses and their intricacy has been worrisome for a while now. The addiction to social networks is also becoming a prevalent problem among young people in recent years. In addition to all of these problems, illegal download of music and other copyrighted content for free, has set back the music industry severely and lead to a large number of serious lawsuits. Keep in mind that this is a minority of the consequences that the unsecure usage of the internet has led to. Secure browsers, such as UR Browser, are a necessity. The internet is intertwined with all of our daily activities, and it is our job to protect ourselves and the people we love.

Maybe the best indicator of the prevalence and power of the internet, is the existence of cyber psychology. The development of a completely new branch of psychology speaks volumes about how all-consuming and potentially dangerous the internet can be. Revise your online identity protection today, so you don’t have to worry tomorrow.

May you have a happy, successful and more private year!

January 11, 2019 / Jennifer P. / Comments Off

We should all be aware by now that 2018 was a watershed year for digital privacy and data protection, marked by one Facebook or Google scandal after another.

Leading with Facebook Cambridge Analytica fiasco, Mark Zuckerberg’s congressional testimony, a massive hack, and revelations of corporate smear campaigns were only the tip of the iceberg. (Refer also to: A bug may have exposed the unposted Facebook photos of millions ; Facebook is using your two-factor-authentication phone number to target ads ; Facebook has been collecting call history and SMS data from Android users; UK Parliament publishes Facebook secret documents showing ‘whitelisting’ firms in return for access to data)

The Facebook privacy issues revealed last year should not overshadow other important revelations like: Strava’s heat map exposing military locations; The giant Marriott hack or Google’s already obsolete Google+ bug that may have exposed private data from millions to its third-party apps;

It’s important to acknowledge the above and understand that some tech companies, and unfortunately some of the most trusted ones, not only harvest gazillions of users’ data but also employ flawed systems to use, share and profit from it. The zenith of privacy invasion played out in a report that alleged both Facebook and Google partnered with banks and bought financial data in secret, trying to get access to yet another sensitive category of private user information.

The aforementioned tech companies, and many other less well known, put their profits before your privacy, and actually built business models that demanded it. In addition, there is nothing FREE and we the users are often the product being monetized. By itself there is nothing wrong with a consumer getting a free service and enabling profit for the service provider through some element of behavior and/or identity, as long as the profiting entity makes disclosures around business practice, doesn’t abuse the user’s trust by violating their own terms, and has no hidden tradeoffs that a user only finds out about after the fact.

So, what is next for 2019? It could continue with other giants like Microsoft, Amazon or Apple, especially with the latest digital assistant trend, but at this point it would only be speculation.

In any case, we should keep protecting our devices and be aware of which free or paid services we use. Put simply, we must be aware of and take action around our own digital identity.

To that end, great things happened as well, in the context of privacy, during 2018. Moreover, we salute and support initiatives like Europe’s GDPR law, trying to get back more privacy for consumers, but currently far from perfect in practice. It is still worth supporting and following how it will succeed in combating the most sophisticated tracking methods, like browser fingerprinting. Besides the European Union, many publications and organizations, such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation, started drawing attention to the ways Google, who owns the most used browser and largest tracking network in the world, uses its power to protect its own interests rather than protecting its users.

The good and the bad around privacy, in 2018, further validated the need for privacy awareness and tools, therefore fueling our conviction around UR Browser, including the addition of more simple-to-use privacy features.

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Privacy and security with UR Browser

Tag: digital identity

Digital Privacy – An Elaborate Study Of Security In The Cyber World

Digital Privacy – Advantages

Digital Privacy – Drawbacks

Digital Privacy Regulations

Digital Privacy Risks

Digital Privacy Solutions

Digital Privacy Reform

Preserving your digital identity means using a secure browser

Secure browsers, the modern solution to a modern problem

The internet, one for all

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