Protecting your personal information online starts with understanding the language of the Internet. From the secret dark web to the nuances of email etiquette, we analyze five key technical terms that directly affect online privacy.
Learning these concepts will help you navigate the Internet more safely.
In this series, delve deep into privacy-related technical terms and other essential concepts and answer the number one questions you can get from readers like you.
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People working on laptops (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
Dark web
The hidden internet beneath the surface
Under the familiar Internet, you can find the Internet you browse every day. This is a hidden layer of the internet that is not indexed by search engines like Google and needs to be accessed by professional software such as the Tor browser.
Developed by the US Navy in the 1990s for safe and anonymous communication, The Dark Web has since emerged as a paradise for privacy advocates, journalists, whistleblowers, and a hot spot for cybercriminals engaged in illegal activities. It has evolved into a hot spot for. .
Some people use the dark web for legal purposes, such as bypassing censorship and protecting freedom of speech, but it is also a market for stolen personal data, financial fraud, and illegal products, and is also a market for personal information. This is a zone with a high risk of theft.
If you want to protect your personal information from purchases, sales, or leaks on the Dark Web, consider using an ID monitoring service that scans the underground forum and databases to scan publicly available data.
If you want to make sure your data is away from the dark web from malicious hands, consider an identity monitoring service that can scrutinize the internet for your data and delete it.
Hacker illustration on the dark web (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
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Encryption
If you secure a digital world, one at a time
Have you ever wondered how secure your online banking information is? This is the process of scrambling data into secret code thanks to encryption, so only certified people (or devices) can be read.
How encryption works:
Converts data to unreadable text – if intercepted, it looks like gibberish. You can unlock the appropriate system. Your bank, email provider, or messaging app will automatically decrypt, so you will see regular text.
Where to use encryption every day:
Find a secure website – HTTPS (“S” means encrypted).
Encryption continues to catch your eye and keeps your personal information safe, as everything you do online isn’t open book. Check out other tips to protect your documents and keep them private.
Store documents with encryption (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
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Capture
Prove that you are human online
Did you need to click on the signal photo or enter wavy text before logging on the website? It’s a capture and a simple test designed to convey humans and bots.
On websites, using CaptChas, automated programs (such as Spambots) block access to your account, submit fake forms, or post junk. The name refers to “aparting computers and humans in a fully automated public Turing test.”
So, what is the Turing Test? Named after Alan Turing, a computer scientist and WW2 codebreaker, it’s difficult to see if machines work like humans and people can’t convey the difference. Captures flip the idea and make sure you’re a human, not a bot!
Some captures ask you to solve the puzzle, but the newer versions should check if the mouse movements look human. The next time you prove that you are “not a robot”, you are actually helping to protect the internet.
However, not all captures are created equally. Follow my guide to learn how to find fake capture signs designed to download malware.
Websites using Captcha (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
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spam
From Monty Python to Malware: The Evolution of Spam
The term “spam” in unwanted email comes from a sketch of Monty Python, where the word “spam” (see canned) has been repeatedly mentioned, overwhelmed the conversation. This has led to the overwhelming nature of unwanted email: terminology being used to describe spam.
Originally, Spam was an annoying flood inbox with promotional emails, chain letters and unrelated ads. But over time, spam has evolved into a major cybersecurity threat. Phishing emails, attachments containing malware, and malicious schemes are hidden within spam messages. Click on malicious links to unsuspecting users, reveal sensitive information, or infect devices with ransomware or spyware.
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
Woman encountering spam on laptop (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
CC/BCC
Who sees what? Mastering email copy
Believe it or not, you may already know what the nicknames for these technical terms came from. If you’ve ever sent an email, you’ve probably seen CC and BCC. But what are they for?
CC stands for “carbon copy,” a throwback to the era of typewriters when carbon paper made replica copies. Email means sending a copy of your message to someone so they can provide you with information. Everyone can see who’s being cc’d and is great for keeping people in a loop without needing a response.
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BCC stands for “blind carbon copy.” It’s like CC, but private. Recipients in the BCC field will receive an email, but their name and address are not visible to others. This is useful for group emails that want to protect your privacy and avoid a response storm.
These tools help you manage your communication and keep everyone on the same page. Want to switch your email provider to a safer, more private platform? Check out my picks – I’ll take you with pros and cons.
CC/BCC is outlined in red (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
Important takeouts for your cart
It is essential to understand these five privacy-related technical terms. Dark Web emphasizes the need to protect personal data. Encryption is a digital shield that protects your information during online activities. Captchas helps to protect your website from automated attacks. This indirectly preserves security. By recognizing spam, we protect you from phishing and malware. Also, using CC and BCC properly in emails respects privacy. Knowing these concepts gives you the equipment to enhance your online privacy and security.
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