Web Surveillance

 Cybercrime, Cyberspace, Data Collection, Hackers, Internet Freedoms, Open Internet, Privacy, Surveillance, Web surveillance  No Responses »
May 212012
 

It is becoming increasingly possible that individuals will have their web history logged under the disguise of law enforcement purposes.  A couple of weeks ago the Attorney-General Nicola Roxon announced “new plans to review national security legislation to ensure our national security capability can evolve to meet emerging threats, while also delivering the right checks and balances for a civil society.”

Potential reforms are to be considered by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security considering the potential reforms through public consultation and hearings. Read more here “Web Snooping Plan A Step Closer to Reality”.

Is this an issue that concerns individuals?  Web monitoring differs from Internet filtering as rather than blocking access to sites; it retains a record of web sites visited by the user.  Although we are in reality a fair way from web surveillance, potentially this could mean that any device connected to the Internet could soon have its web history logged and retained by telecommunications companies.

Web surveillance is something more and more governments around the world are increasingly trying to implement in some way.  In the UK, the Coalition Government is looking at proposals to monitor email and social media raising a number of concerns – “Internet Companies Warn over Government Email Surveillance Plans”. Further with the Olympic Games approaching in London, a vast security presence will be in force.

Governments may have legitimate law enforcement reasons in terms of solving crimes, terrorists, organised criminals who threaten national security and protecting the public, however, it is increasingly becoming an accepted part of society. It raises a number of issues in respect to privacy, data access and protection. It also gives the impression that citizens are all potential criminal suspects who need to monitored.  National security now seems to be used regularly to convince society that governments needs to extend the State’s powers to protect them.  However, does this actually create a safer society, or one that is completely paranoid that it has to keep tabs on its citizens?

Thanks for reading!

Feel free to ‘tweet’ or ‘repost’ this article or leave your comments….

 Posted by on 21 May, 2012 at 11:33 am

Spam Email

 Cybercrime, Electronic Junk Mail, Email Spam, Internet, Malware, Phishing  1 Response »
Nov 082011
 

You have probably noticed that the amount of electronic junk mail (spam) that you receive is increasing.  Although the unsolicited (and unwanted) bulk messages are usually recognised in the form of email spam, it can be applied to other digital media: spam in blogs, instant messaging, mobile phone messaging to name a few.

Because sending these bulk messages operates at a low cost base, there are literally numerous spammers and the volume of spam is increasing exponentially.  As their outlay is minimal, even if only 2 out of 1000 people respond and fall for the scam, it is still worth it for spammers.

Although spam is annoying and frustrating, it is the criminal element that is very distressing and harmful.  These spam e-mails can introduce viruses and spyware into your computer and increasingly are sent via “zombie” networks which install a backdoor which provides access for malicious purposes.  Viruses, Trojan horses, malicious software or malware infection or simply deceptive marketing are all ways that spammers attempt to deceive you. The aim being to acquire an individual’s sensitive information (which is know as phishing) such as usernames, passwords, credit card details. The main purpose is to perpetrate cybercrime, usually “identity fraud”.

For those that are proactive, spam can be kept to a minimum because technology is well advanced to be able to support this. Further follow the common sense tips below to avoid being scammed.

Never Reply to Spam Emails

It may be tempting to vent or teach them a lesson but it will only confirm your email address.  Don’t “unsubscribe”, just “delete”.

Don’t Follow Links in Spam Emails

This is one way that you may become victim of spyware or malware.  Your personal information could be sent to a spammer or your computer may be ‘zombied’.  This basically means that a computer connected to the Internet has been compromised by any number of things (i.e virus, Trojan horse).

Make sure your Computer Protection is Up to Date

Have current anti-virus and firewall protection plus a spam filter.  Always install security updates for your operating system and if your Internet Service Provider has some sort of anti-virus software that you can subscribe to, do so.

Do not open Emails from Addresses you do not Recognise

If you do not recognise the sender do not open the email.  For example, financial institutions don’t send out emails so do not open emails from these institutions.  If unsure contact your financial institution.

For further information try the Australian Communications and Media Authority website who is responsible for enforcing the legislation related to spam.

Let me know what you think….

 Posted by on 8 November, 2011 at 7:21 pm