Celebrating a birth
The birth of a healthy child is a moment of celebration for parents and all others related alike. But it turns out be a sad experience to find newborn child with a birth defect of Cleft Lip and Palate. The immediate relations, particularly parents, and friends fall in psychological stress and start worrying about future development of the child. The birth defects could either involve the external parts or internal organs separately or may be both in varying combinations. As far as the birth involving internal organs is concerned, they do not have significant immediate bearing to cause psychological stress. Today, much advancement has already been made in the surgical techniques. The deformity of Cleft Lip & Palate is no longer an unfortunate situation and is easily treatable. The same could be reconstituted to a near normal appearance and function.
Overview
Cleft lip is a most common genetic birth defect syndrome involving a split in the upper lip. The centre of the roof of the mouth is called palate. When there is a split down the palate, it is called Cleft palate. It is not always that both the defects occur at the same time. These defects also occur separately. In their isolation they are known as isolated cleft lip or isolated cleft palate. But when these defects occur together in a child, a cut in the upper lip and the palate also failing to grow properly and forming a split, this is termed as cleft lip with cleft palate
These defects are known to be present together in varying degree in about 40 percent of the newborn babies. As per the conservative figures, it occurs with a 2:1 male-to-female ratio. Clefts can occur on one side of the mouth (unilateral) or on both sides of the mouth (bilateral). Another aspect with varying degree of inconclusive reasons to understand is that Cleft lips occur more often on the left side rather than the right side. The studies in the United States mention clefts occurring in 1 in 700 to 1,000 births, whereas children of Asian, Latino, or Native American descent suffer these defects more often
Going on in the body
Cleft lip and cleft palate develop during the pregnancy. When grooves in a developing fetus don't smooth out as it grows, the baby is born with a cleft lip. The tissues on each side of the mouth grow up to form roof of the mouth. If the tissues do not fuse normally, the baby is born with a split called cleft palate. The presence of cleft can be easily detected or diagnosed through a prenatal ultrasound, as it causes specific visible symptoms. If somehow the clefting has not been detected prior to the baby's birth, it's identified immediately afterward. There are generally three different kinds of clefts:
* Cleft palate without a cleft lip
* Cleft lip without a cleft palate
* Cleft lip and cleft palate together
Possible reasons it happens
More often a genetic link is suspected particularly when other family members also have cleft. The some of other clefts can be attributed to a cluster of health problems or certain unidentified syndromes. Most cleft lips with or without cleft palate are isolated clefts (no other medical conditions). Since clefts are formed so early in pregnancy, it is often difficult to link them to any particular causes. Some studies suggest a link between maternal drug use (such as antiseizure medication), alcohol abuse, or smoking; maternal illness or infection; or deficiency of folic acid may be related to the development of a cleft lip or palate. However, a genetic evaluation should be followed to identify the possible causes.
Plan of treatment of cleft lip/cleft palate
The very first hurdle to overcome is that of feeding the babies born with a cleft lip and or palate. Such babies may have difficulty breast-feeding or using regular nipples. A feeding specialist can help establish a successful feeding program. A Craniofacial team is formed to detect other syndromes that are commonly associated with cleft lip and palate should evaluate children born with this type of deformity. A Craniofacial team may include an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, a plastic surgeon, a pediatric dentist, an ENT specialist, a pediatrician, a speech pathologist and as well as a geneticist.
The Plastic Surgeon, who is made a part of the Cleft and Craniofacial Team, should normally be a specialist in reconstructive surgery. The team makes a comprehensive and systematic treatment plan. In most cases, reconstructive surgery is necessary to align and join these parts. It considers child’s long term developmental needs along side his immediate requirements for medical, surgical, and dental care.
Treatment options
* Nasal Alveolar Molding
* Surgery for Cleft Lip
* Surgery for Cleft Palate
Steps of treatment of cleft lip/cleft palate
It is during the first year of their life almost all children born with clefts will have to undergo surgery. Normally, the repair surgery for cleft lip is done at 3-4 months of age and for the palate repair it is done between 9-12 months. The child’s growth is observed first to arrive at actual timing for surgery as also formulating the pre-surgical treatment plan.
Pre-surgical treatment plan is referred to as Pre-surgical Nasal Alveolar Molding (PNAM). In most cases it requires fitting a dental appliance to the roof of infant’s mouth. The growth of the tissue is influenced by this pre-surgical molding and also aids in reducing the size of the opening. This process should normally begin during the first weeks of life so that the first surgery gets better results.
An observation is necessary to be made if your child is a candidate for pre-surgical nasal alveolar molding (PNAM). The pediatric dentist will do this by taking a dental impression on which he will fashion an obturator with one or two nasal prongs to help reshape the lip, nose, and palate. Pre-Surgical Nasal Alveolar Molding is a method of treatment that reshapes the infant’s nose without surgery through the use of a custom made orthopedic denture plate, which is a hard piece of plastic that fits to the roof of the mouth. The important benefit of the dental appliance is that it provides a hard surface against which infants press the nipple during feeding. This saves infant from deterioration in the general health.
The child is allowed necessary time to get used to wearing the molding, as this device is to be worn 24 hours a day. It is removed only for the purpose of cleaning. As a next step, nasal prongs are added to lift the nostril(s). In addition to it, tape is used to help move and reshape the tissue segments. The pediatric dentist will make adjustment in these devices at each scheduled visit to him. Once the dentist and plastic surgeon are satisfied with the position achieved by the tissue and cartilage that the lip is surgically repaired. Pre-surgical Nasoalveolar Molding can straighten the columella, rotate the pre-maxilla, lengthen the prolabium, aligns the alveolar ridge (gum), and lift the alar (nostril).
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Monday, October 15, 2007
Bad Breath
BAD BREATH (HALITOSIS)
Bad breath, or Halitosis, comes in many forms and may be due to one of many causes. Halitosis is an extremely embarrassing problem for many people, and is usually caused by poor dental hygiene or the presence of food that gets stuck in the teeth. Halitosis or bad breath is caused by the presence of volatile sulfur compounds on the breath, principally methylmercaptan and hydrogen sulfide compounds. In most dental patients, it is the millions of bacteria in the mouth and on the tongue that cause bad breath. Unpleasant odors from the mouth can strike periodically or be continual depending on the cause.
Contact our office immediately if you have bad breath with painful, swollen gums that bleed easily or loose teeth. This vexing problem can be broken down into three main sources, external, intraoral, and extraoral. Either way, your first stop to address persistent breath problems should be visiting your dentist/our panel Periodontist office. If gum disease is found to be present, a treatment plan can be developed by our panel Periodontist to combat this common source of embarrassment.
Gum disease must be treated promptly as it is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults!
Possible causes for bad breath (halitosis) are:
Poor Oral Healthcare
Without proper and consistent brushing and flossing, and routine examinations by your dentist, food remains in the mouth, which is a breeding ground for bacteria, which, in turn, causes odorous breath. Food that is allowed to collect on the teeth, gums, and tongue may cause the gums and tooth decay, emanating an unpleasant odor and bad taste in the mouth.
Improper cleaning of dentures:
Dentures that are not cleaned properly may be collecting bacteria and remaining food particles which cause bad breath.
Periodontal (Gum) Disease
One of the primary symptoms of this irritated gums/periodontal disease is foul, odorous breath, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. This condition requires immediate care by an oral health professional.
Disease /medical condition:
Bad breath may be an indicator or symptom of any of the following conditions. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. In the absence of gingivitis, tooth decay, oral cancer, your dentist may even refer you to a physician for a diagnosis of a respiratory infection, infection of the nose, windpipe or lungs, chronic bronchitis, postnasal drip, chronic sinusitis, diabetes, etc.
Xerostomia (dry mouth):
This condition is often a large contributor to halitosis. Some prescription drugs and medicines can cause dry mouth as a side effect, especially treatments for depression and high blood pressure. Also, certain medical conditions affect the salivary glands, so they don't produce as much saliva and the mouth tends to be more dry, or by continuously breathing through the mouth, instead of the nose.
Tobacco products:
Not only do tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, chewing tobacco, and snuff stain the teeth and put the body at risk for a host of diseases, they also contribute to bad breath. Tobacco users also are at an increased risk for these reasons.
Bad breath, or Halitosis, comes in many forms and may be due to one of many causes. Halitosis is an extremely embarrassing problem for many people, and is usually caused by poor dental hygiene or the presence of food that gets stuck in the teeth. Halitosis or bad breath is caused by the presence of volatile sulfur compounds on the breath, principally methylmercaptan and hydrogen sulfide compounds. In most dental patients, it is the millions of bacteria in the mouth and on the tongue that cause bad breath. Unpleasant odors from the mouth can strike periodically or be continual depending on the cause.
Contact our office immediately if you have bad breath with painful, swollen gums that bleed easily or loose teeth. This vexing problem can be broken down into three main sources, external, intraoral, and extraoral. Either way, your first stop to address persistent breath problems should be visiting your dentist/our panel Periodontist office. If gum disease is found to be present, a treatment plan can be developed by our panel Periodontist to combat this common source of embarrassment.
Gum disease must be treated promptly as it is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults!
Possible causes for bad breath (halitosis) are:
Poor Oral Healthcare
Without proper and consistent brushing and flossing, and routine examinations by your dentist, food remains in the mouth, which is a breeding ground for bacteria, which, in turn, causes odorous breath. Food that is allowed to collect on the teeth, gums, and tongue may cause the gums and tooth decay, emanating an unpleasant odor and bad taste in the mouth.
Improper cleaning of dentures:
Dentures that are not cleaned properly may be collecting bacteria and remaining food particles which cause bad breath.
Periodontal (Gum) Disease
One of the primary symptoms of this irritated gums/periodontal disease is foul, odorous breath, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. This condition requires immediate care by an oral health professional.
Disease /medical condition:
Bad breath may be an indicator or symptom of any of the following conditions. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. In the absence of gingivitis, tooth decay, oral cancer, your dentist may even refer you to a physician for a diagnosis of a respiratory infection, infection of the nose, windpipe or lungs, chronic bronchitis, postnasal drip, chronic sinusitis, diabetes, etc.
Xerostomia (dry mouth):
This condition is often a large contributor to halitosis. Some prescription drugs and medicines can cause dry mouth as a side effect, especially treatments for depression and high blood pressure. Also, certain medical conditions affect the salivary glands, so they don't produce as much saliva and the mouth tends to be more dry, or by continuously breathing through the mouth, instead of the nose.
Tobacco products:
Not only do tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, chewing tobacco, and snuff stain the teeth and put the body at risk for a host of diseases, they also contribute to bad breath. Tobacco users also are at an increased risk for these reasons.
Bad Bite
A beautiful smile where all of your teeth are straight and your top teeth line up with your bottom teeth.
Causes
A common cause of malocclusion is disproportion between jaw size and tooth size or between the size of the upper and lower jaws. These differences can result in the overcrowding of teeth and in an abnormal bite. Another cause is loss of one or more teeth: When a tooth is lost, nearby teeth tend to drift into the newly available space, moving them out of alignment. If missing permanent teeth are not replaced with implants, a bridge, or a partial denture, the adjacent teeth can "tip" into the empty space and the opposing teeth can "super-erupt" meaning they grow longer than is natural. Malocclusion may have a hereditary component.
Bad Habits
The teeth are not as fixed in place as one might think! A strong, constant breeze can cause a tree to grow at an angle, instead of allowing straight and upright growth. The few bad habits or repetitive forces on your teeth can also cause them to become "out of alignment."
* Thumbsucking can lead to an Open Bite.
* Tongue thrusting (pushing your tongue against the back of your teeth) can slowly, but surely, move your teeth out of alignment.
* Fingernail biting, or habitually biting or chewing on most objects, due to psychological reasons can cause worn teeth.
* Mouth breathing: Breathing primarily through your mouth instead of your nose habitually or prolonged, unattended nasal problems can dry out the tissues of your mouth leading to swollen and irritated gums. Also, the unnatural jaw alignment of mouth breathing creates and imbalance that can lead to a malocclusion.
Causes
A common cause of malocclusion is disproportion between jaw size and tooth size or between the size of the upper and lower jaws. These differences can result in the overcrowding of teeth and in an abnormal bite. Another cause is loss of one or more teeth: When a tooth is lost, nearby teeth tend to drift into the newly available space, moving them out of alignment. If missing permanent teeth are not replaced with implants, a bridge, or a partial denture, the adjacent teeth can "tip" into the empty space and the opposing teeth can "super-erupt" meaning they grow longer than is natural. Malocclusion may have a hereditary component.
Bad Habits
The teeth are not as fixed in place as one might think! A strong, constant breeze can cause a tree to grow at an angle, instead of allowing straight and upright growth. The few bad habits or repetitive forces on your teeth can also cause them to become "out of alignment."
* Thumbsucking can lead to an Open Bite.
* Tongue thrusting (pushing your tongue against the back of your teeth) can slowly, but surely, move your teeth out of alignment.
* Fingernail biting, or habitually biting or chewing on most objects, due to psychological reasons can cause worn teeth.
* Mouth breathing: Breathing primarily through your mouth instead of your nose habitually or prolonged, unattended nasal problems can dry out the tissues of your mouth leading to swollen and irritated gums. Also, the unnatural jaw alignment of mouth breathing creates and imbalance that can lead to a malocclusion.
Women Dental Care
Women need to be more careful with their oral health as they pass through different stages of life. These changes are directly related to surges in sex hormone levels starting right from puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, lactation and menopause. The gums of women become more sensitive to plaque, the bacterial film that promotes tooth decay and gum disease
As compared to men, women are diagnosed more with TMJ, Myofascial pain, dry mouth, and eating disorders. If you avoid going for regular dental visits, you may allow a condition to worsen. The key to reducing dental complications and subsequent high bills is prevention. Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums and catching problems early.
Puberty: As the surge in hormones happens during puberty, it may cause the gums to swell, especially during menstruation. Herpes-type lesions and ulcers also can develop. Girls may experience sensitive gums that react more to irritants. Many fall prey to bulimia and this disorder include a smoothing or dissolving of tooth enamel and a red, scratched area at the back of the throat.
Menstruation: Women face monthly hormonal fluctuations making some of them more prone to gingivitis or cold sores or mouth ulcers before or during menstruation. As per your case history, the dentist may prescribe the drug for cold sores and a topical steroid or anesthetic to treat mouth ulcers.
Birth Control Pills: Gingivitis is a common side effect of birth control pills, and women may also develop a dry mouth or gum pigmentation. Getting a tooth pulled (extracted) while on the Pill is best avoided, as the estrogen in the contraceptive can cause a painful condition called dry socket, in which the hole left behind fails to close up. Certain drugs, such as penicillin or tetracycline also decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
Pregnancy: It's important for expectant moms to brush and floss with care and to continue regular dental visits for routine cleanings. It is quite common that women develop gingivitis during pregnancy due to rise in hormone levels. Avoiding periodontal disease is also critical for the health of an infant.
The first trimester, the stage of pregnancy in which most of the baby's organs are formed, is the most crucial to your baby's development, so it is best to have procedures performed during the second trimester to minimize any potential risk. Further, the recent studies also show bacteria in plaque are linked to a higher risk of giving birth to premature, low-birth weight infants. Avoid sugary snacks between meals so that you don't gain extra weight and it helps prevent decay.
It is a myth and impossible that calcium from your teeth to be drawn off and given to baby in the womb. Your growing baby will get calcium from your diet; just make sure you follow your doctor's advice on diet. Good nutrition-particularly plenty of vitamin C and B12-help keep the oral cavity healthy and strong. More frequent cleanings from the dentist will help control plaque and prevent gingivitis.
Most dental procedures are safe during pregnancy. If you are on medications for some treatment(s), your dentist or physician is the best judge to have prescribed it. Remember, the healthier your mouth is, the healthier and happier your pregnancy and baby will be. The chart below provided information in general the medications that can be taken or avoided during pregnancy. Many premature babies come into the world with serious health problems. Those who survive may suffer life-long consequences, from cerebral palsy and mental retardation to blindness
As compared to men, women are diagnosed more with TMJ, Myofascial pain, dry mouth, and eating disorders. If you avoid going for regular dental visits, you may allow a condition to worsen. The key to reducing dental complications and subsequent high bills is prevention. Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums and catching problems early.
Puberty: As the surge in hormones happens during puberty, it may cause the gums to swell, especially during menstruation. Herpes-type lesions and ulcers also can develop. Girls may experience sensitive gums that react more to irritants. Many fall prey to bulimia and this disorder include a smoothing or dissolving of tooth enamel and a red, scratched area at the back of the throat.
Menstruation: Women face monthly hormonal fluctuations making some of them more prone to gingivitis or cold sores or mouth ulcers before or during menstruation. As per your case history, the dentist may prescribe the drug for cold sores and a topical steroid or anesthetic to treat mouth ulcers.
Birth Control Pills: Gingivitis is a common side effect of birth control pills, and women may also develop a dry mouth or gum pigmentation. Getting a tooth pulled (extracted) while on the Pill is best avoided, as the estrogen in the contraceptive can cause a painful condition called dry socket, in which the hole left behind fails to close up. Certain drugs, such as penicillin or tetracycline also decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
Pregnancy: It's important for expectant moms to brush and floss with care and to continue regular dental visits for routine cleanings. It is quite common that women develop gingivitis during pregnancy due to rise in hormone levels. Avoiding periodontal disease is also critical for the health of an infant.
The first trimester, the stage of pregnancy in which most of the baby's organs are formed, is the most crucial to your baby's development, so it is best to have procedures performed during the second trimester to minimize any potential risk. Further, the recent studies also show bacteria in plaque are linked to a higher risk of giving birth to premature, low-birth weight infants. Avoid sugary snacks between meals so that you don't gain extra weight and it helps prevent decay.
It is a myth and impossible that calcium from your teeth to be drawn off and given to baby in the womb. Your growing baby will get calcium from your diet; just make sure you follow your doctor's advice on diet. Good nutrition-particularly plenty of vitamin C and B12-help keep the oral cavity healthy and strong. More frequent cleanings from the dentist will help control plaque and prevent gingivitis.
Most dental procedures are safe during pregnancy. If you are on medications for some treatment(s), your dentist or physician is the best judge to have prescribed it. Remember, the healthier your mouth is, the healthier and happier your pregnancy and baby will be. The chart below provided information in general the medications that can be taken or avoided during pregnancy. Many premature babies come into the world with serious health problems. Those who survive may suffer life-long consequences, from cerebral palsy and mental retardation to blindness
Rules to Remember for Protecting Personal Privacy:
* Look for a privacy policy on every Web site that asks you to register or provide information. Take a minute and carefully read the policy. A credible privacy policy should be easy to find and easy to understand. Most ethical Web sites put a link to a privacy policy right on the home page. The policy should tell you exactly what information a Web site collects and what it is used for. If the Web site shares the information with anyone else it should tell you and give you the option of restricting such use. A privacy policy also should tell you about the security used to protect your personal information and how you can look at the information that is collected about you. These days, all consumer Web sites that treat information ethically have privacy policies. Look for them and use them. If you don’t find a privacy policy, email the Web site and ask them to post one.
* Look for a privacy seal. These seals, which are a recent innovation, give assurance that a Web site is abiding by its posted privacy policy. BBBOnLine (a subsidiary of the Council of Better Business Bureaus) and TRUSTe seals provide a mechanism to handle complaints by consumers who feel their privacy has been violated. The seals also mean a company has instituted systems for practicing what it preaches about privacy protection. If you don’t find a seal at a Web site, write to the site and ask for one.
* Do not under any circumstances give your password to anyone. Hackers and scammers often try to entice you to give you password through a variety of tricks. Be careful. Use different passwords at different Web sites and change your passwords every now and then.
* Use a secure browser that complies with an industry security standard, such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) that encrypts or scrambles purchase information.
* Print a copy of your purchase order and confirmation number for your records when shopping online. Other tips are available at www.bbbonline.org and at www.truste.org.
* Look for a privacy seal. These seals, which are a recent innovation, give assurance that a Web site is abiding by its posted privacy policy. BBBOnLine (a subsidiary of the Council of Better Business Bureaus) and TRUSTe seals provide a mechanism to handle complaints by consumers who feel their privacy has been violated. The seals also mean a company has instituted systems for practicing what it preaches about privacy protection. If you don’t find a seal at a Web site, write to the site and ask for one.
* Do not under any circumstances give your password to anyone. Hackers and scammers often try to entice you to give you password through a variety of tricks. Be careful. Use different passwords at different Web sites and change your passwords every now and then.
* Use a secure browser that complies with an industry security standard, such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) that encrypts or scrambles purchase information.
* Print a copy of your purchase order and confirmation number for your records when shopping online. Other tips are available at www.bbbonline.org and at www.truste.org.
Top 12 Ways to Protect Your Online Privacy
Top 12 Ways to Protect Your Online Privacy
1) Do not reveal personal information inadvertently.
You may be "shedding" personal details, including e-mail addresses and other contact information, without even knowing it unless you properly configure your Web browser. In your browser's "Setup", "Options" or "Preferences" menus, you may wish to use a pseudonym instead of your real name, and not enter an e-mail address, nor provide other personally identifiable information that you don't wish to share. When visiting a site you trust you can choose to give them your info, in forms on their site; there is no need for your browser to potentially make this information available to all comers. Also be on the lookout for system-wide "Internet defaults" programs on your computer (some examples include Window's Internet Control Panel, and MacOS's Configuration Manager, and the third-party Mac utility named Internet Config). While they are useful for various things, like keeping multiple Web browers and other Internet tools consistent in how the treat downloaded files and such, they should probably also be anonymized just like your browser itself, if they contain any fields for personal information. Households with children may have an additional "security problem" - have you set clear rules for your kids, so that they know not to reveal personal information unless you OK it on a site-by-site basis?
2) Turn on cookie notices in your Web browser, and/or use cookie management software or infomediaries.
"Cookies" are tidbits of information that Web sites store on your computer, temporarily or more-or-less permanently. In many cases cookies are useful and inocuous. They may be passwords and user IDs, so that you do not have to keep retyping them every time you load a new page at the site that issued the cookie. Other cookies however, can be used for "data mining" purposes, to track your motions through a Web site, the time you spend there, what links you click on and other details that the company wants to record, usually for marketing purposes. Most cookies can only be read by the party that created them. However, some companies that manage online banner advertising are, in essence, cookie sharing rings. They can track which pages you load, which ads you click on, etc., and share this information with all of their client Web sites (who may number in the hundreds, even thousands.) Some examples of these cookie sharing rings are DoubleClick, AdCast and LinkExchange. For a demonstration of how they work, see: http://privacy.net/track/
Browsers are starting to allow user control over cookies. Netscape, for example, allows you to see a notice when a site tries to write a cookie file to your hard drive, and gives you some information about it, allowing you to decide whether or not to accept it. (Be on the lookout for cookies the function of which is not apparent, which go to other sites than the one you are trying to load, or which are not temporary). It also allows you to automatically block all cookies that are being sent to third parties (or to block all cookies, entirely, but this will make some sites inoperable). Internet Explorer has a cookie management interface in addition to Netscape-like features, allowing you to selectively enable or disable cookies on a site-by-site basis, even to allow cookies for a site generally, but delete a specific cookie you are suspicious about. With Internet Explorer you can also turn on cookies for a site temporarily then disable them when you no longer need them (e.g., at an online bookstore that requires cookies to process an order, but whom you don't want to track what books you are looking at, what links you are following, etc., the rest of the time.) Turning on cookie warnings will cause alert boxes to pop up, but after some practice you may learn to hit "Decline" so fast that you hardly notice them any more. The idea is to only enable cookies on sites that require them AND whom you trust. You may also wish to try out "alternative" browsers like Mozilla (Windows, Mac, Linux), Opera (Windows, Mac, Linux), Konqueror (Linux), and iCab (Mac), which may offer better cookie management.
You can also use cookie management software and services. One example is the Internet Junkbuster Proxy ( http://www.junkbusters.com/ht/en/ijb.html ). It runs on Win95/98/NT and Unix/Linux (no Mac version), and can selectively block cookies for you (and banner ads, to boot). interMute ( http://www.intermute.com/ ) does likewise (and more - blocks popup windows, etc.; only runs under Windows). Another Windows-only solution is AdSubtract ( http://www.adsubtract.com/ ) A comparable product (Linux, Solaris, Windows) is GuideScope ( http://www.guidescope.com/home/ ) A Java-based solution called Muffin ( http://muffin.doit.org/ ) is also available. While it will run on Mac, Windows and Unix systems, it is definitely for "power users", as it is complicated to set up and operate effectively. Another recent option (Linux, Mac, Windows) is the ( http://www.webwasher.com/ ), which has advanced cookie filtering capabilities, especially with the Seclude-It and Secretmaker plug-ins available at the same site. One more (Windows) is CookiePal ( http://www.kburra.com/cpal.html ), and yet another (Windows) is ( http://www.thelimitsoft.com/cookie.html ). There are also numerous "cookie eater" applications, some which run on a schedule or in the background, that delete cookie files for you. As with turning off cookies entirely, you may have trouble accessing sites that require certain cookies (though in most cases the worst that will happen is that you'll have to re-enter a login ID and password you thought were saved.) "Eating" the cookies periodically still permits sites to track what you're doing for a short time (i.e., the time between successive deletion of your cookie file), but thwarts attempts to discern and record your actions over time.
Yet another option is to use an "infomediary" (some are home-use software products, others may be network-based services), such as SeigeSoft's SiegeSurfer ( http://www.siegesoft.com/_html/tutorial.asp ), Zero Knowledge Systems' Freedom ( http://www.freedom.net ), among others. These products/services act as a proxy or shield between you and sites you visit, and can completely disguise to Web sites where you are coming from and who you are (and intercept all cookies). Most are Windows-only at this point, though Anonymizer ( http://www.anonymizer.com/3.0/affiliate/door.cgi?CMid=13763 ), Orangatango ( http://www.orangatango.com/ ), and SafeWeb and ( http://www.safeweb.com ) also offer such services that are Web-based and not platform-dependent. WARNING: Do not confuse honest infomediaries with "identity managmenet services" like Microsoft's Passport service or Novell's DigitalMe. While you may gain some temporary convenience at sites that support them, you'll lose essential privacy, because these services are not there to serve you but to serve marketing purposes by collecting a vast array of information about you and selling it.
The best solution doesn't exist yet: Full cookie management abilities built into the browsers themselves. Only increased user pressure on Microsoft, Netscape and other browser makers can make this happen. Users should ultimately be able to reject cookies on a whole-domain basis, reject all third-party cookies by default, reject all cookies that are not essential for the transaction at hand, receive notice of exactly what a cookie is intended for, and be able to set default behaviors and permissions rather than have to interact with cookies on a page-by-page basis. This just isn't possible yet. You may wish to contact the company that makes your browser software and demand these essential features in the next version.
3) Keep a "clean" e-mail address.
When mailing to unknown parties; posting to newsgroups, mailing lists, chat rooms and other public spaces on the Net; or publishing a Web page that mentions your e-mail address, it is best to do this from a "side" account, some pseudonymous or simply alternate address, and to use your main or preferred address only on small, members-only lists and with known, trusted individuals. Addresses that are posted (even as part of message headers) in public spaces can be easily discovered by spammers (online junk mailers) and added to their list of targets. If your public "throw away" address gets spammed enough to become annoying, you can simply kill it off, and start a new one. Your friends, boss, etc., will still know your "real" address. You can use a free (advertising-supported) e-mail service provider like Yahoo Mail or Hotmail for such "side" accounts. It is best to use a "real" Internet service provider for your main account, and to examine their privacy policies and terms of service, as some "freemail" services may have poor privacy track records. You may find it works best to use an e-mail package that allows mulitiple user IDs and addresses (a.k.a. "personalities", "aliases") so that you do not have to switch between multiple programs to manange and use more than one e-mail address (though you may have to use a Web browser rather than an e-mail program to read your mail in your "throw away" accounts - many freemail providers do not allow POP or IMAP connections). If you are "required" to give an e-mail address to use a site (but will not be required to check your mail for some kind of access code they send you), you can use "someuser@example.com" (example.com is a non-existent site, set up by the Internet standards to be used as an example that will never accidentally coincide with anyone's real e-mail address, which is always a danger if you just make up one off the top of your head.)
4) Don't reveal personal details to strangers or just-met "friends".
The speed of Internet communication is often mirrored in rapid online acquaintanceships and friendships. But it is important to realize that you don't really know who these people are or what they are like in real life. A thousand miles away, you don't have friends-of-friends or other references about this person. Be also wary of face-to-face meetings. If you and your new e-friend wish to meet in person, do it in a public place. Bringing a friend along can also be a good idea. One needn't be paranoid, but one should not be an easy mark, either. Some personal information you might wish to withhold until you know someone much better would include your full name, place of employment, phone number, and street address (among more obvious things like credit card numbers, etc.) Needless to say, such information should not be put on personal home pages. (If you have a work home page, it may well have work contact information on it, but you needn't reveal this page to everyone you meet in a chat room.) For this and other reasons, many people maintain two personal home pages, a work-related one, and an "off duty" version. In the commercial sector, too, beware "fast-met friends". A common "social engineering" form of industrial espionage is to befriend someone online just long enough to get them to reveal insider information.
5) Realize you may be monitored at work, avoid sending highly personal e-mail to mailing lists, and keep sensitive files on your home computer.
In most US states and many if not most countries, employees have little if any privacy protection from monitoring by employers. When discussing sensitive matters in e-mail or other online media, be certain with whom you are communicating. If you replied to a mailing list post, check the headers - is your reply going to the person you think it is, or to the whole list? Also be aware that an increasing number of employers are monitoring and recording employee Web usage, as well as e-mail. This could compromise home banking passwords and other sensitive information. Keep private data and private Net usage private, at home. See this CNN/IDG article on "snoopware" (which may not be limited to your office...):
http://www.cnn.com/2001/TECH/ptech/11/07/snoopware.idg/
6) Beware sites that offer some sort of reward or prize in exchange for your contact information or other personal details.
There's a very high probability that they are gathering this information for direct marketing purposes. In many cases your name and address are worth much more to them because they can sell it to other marketers (who can do the same in turn...) than what you are (supposedly) getting from them. Be especially wary of sweepstakes and contests. You probably won't win, but the marketer sure will if you give them your information.
7) Do not reply to spammers, for any reason.
"Spam", or unsolicited bulk e-mail, is something you are probably already familiar with (and tired of). If you get a spammed advertisment, certainly don't take the sender up on whatever offer they are making, but also don't bother replying with "REMOVE" in the subject line, or whatever (probably bogus) unsubscribe instructions you've been given). This simply confirms that your address is being read by a real person, and you'll find yourself on dozens more spammers' lists in no time. If you open the message, watch your outgoing mail queue to make sure that a "return receipt" message was not generated to be sent back to the spammer automatically. (It is best to queue your mail and send manually, rather than send immediately, so that you can see what's about to go out before it's actually sent. You should also turn off your mailer's automatic honoring of return receipt requests, if any.) If you have a good Internet service provider, you may be able to forward copies of spam e-mail to the system administrators who can route a complaint to the ISP of the spammer (or if you know a lot about mail headers and DNS tools, you can probably contact these ISPs yourself to complain about the spammer.) If you are getting spammed a lot, there are a variety of filters and anti-spam services available, including:
Spam Hater ( http://www.cix.co.uk/~net-services/spam/spam_hater.htm ) for Windows users;
TAG ( http://alcor.concordia.ca/topics/email/auto/procmail/spam ) for experienced Unix users;
SpamBouncer ( http://www.spambouncer.org ) for experienced Unix users (works well with TAG);
BrightMail ( http://www.brightmail.com/ ) for ISPs;
SpamCop ( http://spamcop.net/ ) for anyone;
More information on fighting spam is available at:
Elsop's Anti-Spam Page ( http://www.elsop.com/wrc/nospam.htm );
MaximumDownforce's Info-n-Links Page( http://www.maximumdownforce.com/hotlinks.html );
Whew's Anti-Spam Campaign ( http://www.whew.com/Spammers/ ).
Many of these are difficult to use for novices, and some require Unix expertise. Others are services that deal with ISPs only, not end users.
8) Be conscious of Web security.
Never submit a credit card number or other highly sensitive personal information without first making sure your connection is secure (encrypted). In Netscape, look for an closed lock (Windows) or unbroken key (Mac) icon at the bottom of the browser window. In Internet Explorer, look for a closed lock icon at the bottom (Windows) or near the top (Mac) of the browser window. In any browser, look at the URL (Web address) line - a secure connection will begin "https://" intead of "http://". If you are at page that asks for such information but shows "http://" try adding the "s" yourself and hitting enter to reload the page (for Netscape or IE; in another browser, use whatever method is required by your browser to reload the page at the new URL). If you get an error message that the page or site does not exist, this probably means that the company is so clueless - and careless with your information and your money - that they don't even have Web security. Take your business elsewhere.
Your browser itself gives away information about you, if your IP address can be tied to your identity (this is most commonly true of DSL and broadband users, rather than modem users, who are a dwindling minority). For a demo of how much detail is automatically given out about your system by your browser, see: http://privacy.net/analyze/ .
Also be on the lookout for "spyware" - software that may be included with applications you install (games, utilities, whatever), the purpose of which is to silently spy on your online habits and other details and report it back to the company whose product you are using. One MS Windows solution for disabling spyware is the Ad-aware program (shareware, from http://www.lavasoft.de/ ), which can remove spyware from your computer; it is based on a large collaboratively maintained database of information about spyware. Linux and Mac products of this sort are likely to appear soon.
Java, Javascript and ActiveX can also be used for spyware purposes. Support for these scripting languages can be disabled in your browser's configuration options (a.k.a. preferences, settings, or properties). It is safest to surf with them turned off, and only turn them on when a site you trust and want to use requires them. If you don't know if your browser supports these languages or don't know if they are turned on you can use BrowserSpy to find out (along with a lot of other information about your Web browsing software): http://gemal.dk/browserspy/
Another form of spyware consists of "webbugs", which typically manifest themselves as invisible or nearly invisible image files tied to cookies and javascripts that track your Web usage. See http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=webbugs+%22web+bugs%22 for more information on webbugs. See also this webbug FAQ, http://www.nthelp.com/OEtest/web_bug_faq.htm for more details. Dealing with webbugs when they are embedded in an otherwise legitimate page is thorny, as there isn't a surefire way to distinguish between webbugs and run-of-the-mill image files. But see the Privacy Foundation's Bugnosis webbug detector ( http://www.bugnosis.org/ - Windows MSIE only). When webbugs are loaded into popup pages, the solution is to close the popups (usually a small page with an ad, though some of them are "micropages" that you can barely see. A few may even use javascript tricks to keep you from closing them. If this happens, close all other browser windows, then you should be able to close the bug window). Another tip for defeating webbugs is to reject any cookies from Doubleclick, AdCast, LinkExchange and other "ad exchange networks" (cookie sharing rings), and any other cookies that are not from the site you are currently visiting (most third-party cookies are basically webbugs). Lastly on this topic, be aware that HTML-capable e-mail programs and Usenet newsreaders make webbugs work in your e-mail and newsgroups. If your mailer or newsreader has an option to turn off cookie support, you should certainly do so. There is hardly any imaginable legitimate use for a cookie in an email or a newsgroup posting.
9) Be conscious of home computer security.
On the other side of the coin, your own computer may be a trouble spot for Internet security. If you have a DSL line, broadband cable modem or other connection to the Internet that is up and running 24 hours (including T1 at the office without a firewall or NAT), unlike a modem-and-phone-line connection, be sure to turn your computer off when you are not using it. Most home PCs have pitifully poor security compared to the Unix workstations that power most commercial Web sites. System crackers search for vulnerable, unattended DSL-connected home computers, and can invade them with surprising ease, rifiling through files looking for credit card numbers or other sensitive data, or even "taking over" the computer and quietly using it for their own purposes, such as lauching attacks on other computers elsewhere - attacks you could initially be blamed for. Firewall hardware and software is another option that can protect you from these kinds of attacks (available at any computer store; freeware and shareware implementations may be available at sites like http://www.shareware.com or http://www.download.com.
10) Examine privacy policies and seals.
When you are considering whether or not to do business with a Web site, there are other factors than a secure connection you have to consider that are equally important to Web security. Does the site provide offline contact information, including a postal address? Does the site have a prominently-posted privacy policy? If so, what does it say? (Just because they call it a "privacy policy" doesn't mean it will protect you - read it for yourself. Many are little more than disclaimers saying that you have no privacy! So read them carefully.) If the policy sounds OK to you, do you have a reason to believe it? Have you ever heard of this company? What is their reputation? And are they backing up their privacy statement with a seal program such as TRUSTe ( http://www.truste.org/ ) or BBBonline ( http://www.bbbonline.org/ )? (While imperfect, such programs hold Web sites to at least some minimal baseline standards, and may revoke, with much fanfare, the approval-seal licenses of bad-acting companies that do not keep their word.) If you see a seal, is it real? Check with the seal-issuing site to make sure the seal isn't a fake. And examine terms carefully, especially if you are subscribing to a service rather than buying a product. Look out for auto-rebilling scams and hidden fees.
11) Remember that YOU decide what information about yourself to reveal, when, why, and to whom.
Don't give out personally-identifiable information too easily. Just as you might think twice about giving some clerk at the mall your home address and phone number, keep in mind that simply because a site asks for or demands personal information from you does not mean you have to give it. You do have to give accurate billing information if you are buying something, of course, but if you are registering with a free site that is a little too nosy for you, there is no law (in most places) against providing them with pseudonymous information. (However, it would probably be polite to use obviously fake addresses, such as "123 No Such Street, Nowhere, DC 01010". If they are generating mailings based on this information - presumably in accordance with the terms of their privacy policy - they can probably weed such addresses out and not waste the postage on them. Definitely do NOT use someone else's real address!) However, if you are required to agree to terms of service before using the free service, be sure those terms do not include a requirement that you provide correct information, unless the penalty is simply not being allowed to use the service any more, and you're willing to pay that price if they figure out you are not providing them with your actual personally-identifiable information.
12) Use encryption!
Last but certainly not least, there are other privacy threats besides abusive marketers, nosy bosses, spammers and scammers. Some of the threats include industrial espionage, government surveillance, identity theft, disgruntled former associates, and system crackers. Relatively easy-to-use e-mail and file encryption software is available for free, such as Pretty Good Privacy (PGP, available at: http://www.pgpi.org/ ), which runs on almost all computers and even integrates seamlessly with most major e-mail software. Good encryption uses very robust secret codes, that are difficult if not impossible to crack, to protect your data. You can also use specialized services (some free, some pay) that go beyond infomediary services, including running all connections through a securely encrypted "tunnel", anonymous dialup, even anonymous Web publishing. Anonymizer ( http://www.anonymizer.com/3.0/affiliate/door.cgi?CMid=13763 ) offers all of these services. Another type of product is SSH tunnelling (port forwarding) packages, such as FSecure SSH ( http://www.fsecure.com/products/ssh/ ), and SecureCRT ( http://www.vandyke.com/products/securecrt/ ).
1) Do not reveal personal information inadvertently.
You may be "shedding" personal details, including e-mail addresses and other contact information, without even knowing it unless you properly configure your Web browser. In your browser's "Setup", "Options" or "Preferences" menus, you may wish to use a pseudonym instead of your real name, and not enter an e-mail address, nor provide other personally identifiable information that you don't wish to share. When visiting a site you trust you can choose to give them your info, in forms on their site; there is no need for your browser to potentially make this information available to all comers. Also be on the lookout for system-wide "Internet defaults" programs on your computer (some examples include Window's Internet Control Panel, and MacOS's Configuration Manager, and the third-party Mac utility named Internet Config). While they are useful for various things, like keeping multiple Web browers and other Internet tools consistent in how the treat downloaded files and such, they should probably also be anonymized just like your browser itself, if they contain any fields for personal information. Households with children may have an additional "security problem" - have you set clear rules for your kids, so that they know not to reveal personal information unless you OK it on a site-by-site basis?
2) Turn on cookie notices in your Web browser, and/or use cookie management software or infomediaries.
"Cookies" are tidbits of information that Web sites store on your computer, temporarily or more-or-less permanently. In many cases cookies are useful and inocuous. They may be passwords and user IDs, so that you do not have to keep retyping them every time you load a new page at the site that issued the cookie. Other cookies however, can be used for "data mining" purposes, to track your motions through a Web site, the time you spend there, what links you click on and other details that the company wants to record, usually for marketing purposes. Most cookies can only be read by the party that created them. However, some companies that manage online banner advertising are, in essence, cookie sharing rings. They can track which pages you load, which ads you click on, etc., and share this information with all of their client Web sites (who may number in the hundreds, even thousands.) Some examples of these cookie sharing rings are DoubleClick, AdCast and LinkExchange. For a demonstration of how they work, see: http://privacy.net/track/
Browsers are starting to allow user control over cookies. Netscape, for example, allows you to see a notice when a site tries to write a cookie file to your hard drive, and gives you some information about it, allowing you to decide whether or not to accept it. (Be on the lookout for cookies the function of which is not apparent, which go to other sites than the one you are trying to load, or which are not temporary). It also allows you to automatically block all cookies that are being sent to third parties (or to block all cookies, entirely, but this will make some sites inoperable). Internet Explorer has a cookie management interface in addition to Netscape-like features, allowing you to selectively enable or disable cookies on a site-by-site basis, even to allow cookies for a site generally, but delete a specific cookie you are suspicious about. With Internet Explorer you can also turn on cookies for a site temporarily then disable them when you no longer need them (e.g., at an online bookstore that requires cookies to process an order, but whom you don't want to track what books you are looking at, what links you are following, etc., the rest of the time.) Turning on cookie warnings will cause alert boxes to pop up, but after some practice you may learn to hit "Decline" so fast that you hardly notice them any more. The idea is to only enable cookies on sites that require them AND whom you trust. You may also wish to try out "alternative" browsers like Mozilla (Windows, Mac, Linux), Opera (Windows, Mac, Linux), Konqueror (Linux), and iCab (Mac), which may offer better cookie management.
You can also use cookie management software and services. One example is the Internet Junkbuster Proxy ( http://www.junkbusters.com/ht/en/ijb.html ). It runs on Win95/98/NT and Unix/Linux (no Mac version), and can selectively block cookies for you (and banner ads, to boot). interMute ( http://www.intermute.com/ ) does likewise (and more - blocks popup windows, etc.; only runs under Windows). Another Windows-only solution is AdSubtract ( http://www.adsubtract.com/ ) A comparable product (Linux, Solaris, Windows) is GuideScope ( http://www.guidescope.com/home/ ) A Java-based solution called Muffin ( http://muffin.doit.org/ ) is also available. While it will run on Mac, Windows and Unix systems, it is definitely for "power users", as it is complicated to set up and operate effectively. Another recent option (Linux, Mac, Windows) is the ( http://www.webwasher.com/ ), which has advanced cookie filtering capabilities, especially with the Seclude-It and Secretmaker plug-ins available at the same site. One more (Windows) is CookiePal ( http://www.kburra.com/cpal.html ), and yet another (Windows) is ( http://www.thelimitsoft.com/cookie.html ). There are also numerous "cookie eater" applications, some which run on a schedule or in the background, that delete cookie files for you. As with turning off cookies entirely, you may have trouble accessing sites that require certain cookies (though in most cases the worst that will happen is that you'll have to re-enter a login ID and password you thought were saved.) "Eating" the cookies periodically still permits sites to track what you're doing for a short time (i.e., the time between successive deletion of your cookie file), but thwarts attempts to discern and record your actions over time.
Yet another option is to use an "infomediary" (some are home-use software products, others may be network-based services), such as SeigeSoft's SiegeSurfer ( http://www.siegesoft.com/_html/tutorial.asp ), Zero Knowledge Systems' Freedom ( http://www.freedom.net ), among others. These products/services act as a proxy or shield between you and sites you visit, and can completely disguise to Web sites where you are coming from and who you are (and intercept all cookies). Most are Windows-only at this point, though Anonymizer ( http://www.anonymizer.com/3.0/affiliate/door.cgi?CMid=13763 ), Orangatango ( http://www.orangatango.com/ ), and SafeWeb and ( http://www.safeweb.com ) also offer such services that are Web-based and not platform-dependent. WARNING: Do not confuse honest infomediaries with "identity managmenet services" like Microsoft's Passport service or Novell's DigitalMe. While you may gain some temporary convenience at sites that support them, you'll lose essential privacy, because these services are not there to serve you but to serve marketing purposes by collecting a vast array of information about you and selling it.
The best solution doesn't exist yet: Full cookie management abilities built into the browsers themselves. Only increased user pressure on Microsoft, Netscape and other browser makers can make this happen. Users should ultimately be able to reject cookies on a whole-domain basis, reject all third-party cookies by default, reject all cookies that are not essential for the transaction at hand, receive notice of exactly what a cookie is intended for, and be able to set default behaviors and permissions rather than have to interact with cookies on a page-by-page basis. This just isn't possible yet. You may wish to contact the company that makes your browser software and demand these essential features in the next version.
3) Keep a "clean" e-mail address.
When mailing to unknown parties; posting to newsgroups, mailing lists, chat rooms and other public spaces on the Net; or publishing a Web page that mentions your e-mail address, it is best to do this from a "side" account, some pseudonymous or simply alternate address, and to use your main or preferred address only on small, members-only lists and with known, trusted individuals. Addresses that are posted (even as part of message headers) in public spaces can be easily discovered by spammers (online junk mailers) and added to their list of targets. If your public "throw away" address gets spammed enough to become annoying, you can simply kill it off, and start a new one. Your friends, boss, etc., will still know your "real" address. You can use a free (advertising-supported) e-mail service provider like Yahoo Mail or Hotmail for such "side" accounts. It is best to use a "real" Internet service provider for your main account, and to examine their privacy policies and terms of service, as some "freemail" services may have poor privacy track records. You may find it works best to use an e-mail package that allows mulitiple user IDs and addresses (a.k.a. "personalities", "aliases") so that you do not have to switch between multiple programs to manange and use more than one e-mail address (though you may have to use a Web browser rather than an e-mail program to read your mail in your "throw away" accounts - many freemail providers do not allow POP or IMAP connections). If you are "required" to give an e-mail address to use a site (but will not be required to check your mail for some kind of access code they send you), you can use "someuser@example.com" (example.com is a non-existent site, set up by the Internet standards to be used as an example that will never accidentally coincide with anyone's real e-mail address, which is always a danger if you just make up one off the top of your head.)
4) Don't reveal personal details to strangers or just-met "friends".
The speed of Internet communication is often mirrored in rapid online acquaintanceships and friendships. But it is important to realize that you don't really know who these people are or what they are like in real life. A thousand miles away, you don't have friends-of-friends or other references about this person. Be also wary of face-to-face meetings. If you and your new e-friend wish to meet in person, do it in a public place. Bringing a friend along can also be a good idea. One needn't be paranoid, but one should not be an easy mark, either. Some personal information you might wish to withhold until you know someone much better would include your full name, place of employment, phone number, and street address (among more obvious things like credit card numbers, etc.) Needless to say, such information should not be put on personal home pages. (If you have a work home page, it may well have work contact information on it, but you needn't reveal this page to everyone you meet in a chat room.) For this and other reasons, many people maintain two personal home pages, a work-related one, and an "off duty" version. In the commercial sector, too, beware "fast-met friends". A common "social engineering" form of industrial espionage is to befriend someone online just long enough to get them to reveal insider information.
5) Realize you may be monitored at work, avoid sending highly personal e-mail to mailing lists, and keep sensitive files on your home computer.
In most US states and many if not most countries, employees have little if any privacy protection from monitoring by employers. When discussing sensitive matters in e-mail or other online media, be certain with whom you are communicating. If you replied to a mailing list post, check the headers - is your reply going to the person you think it is, or to the whole list? Also be aware that an increasing number of employers are monitoring and recording employee Web usage, as well as e-mail. This could compromise home banking passwords and other sensitive information. Keep private data and private Net usage private, at home. See this CNN/IDG article on "snoopware" (which may not be limited to your office...):
http://www.cnn.com/2001/TECH/ptech/11/07/snoopware.idg/
6) Beware sites that offer some sort of reward or prize in exchange for your contact information or other personal details.
There's a very high probability that they are gathering this information for direct marketing purposes. In many cases your name and address are worth much more to them because they can sell it to other marketers (who can do the same in turn...) than what you are (supposedly) getting from them. Be especially wary of sweepstakes and contests. You probably won't win, but the marketer sure will if you give them your information.
7) Do not reply to spammers, for any reason.
"Spam", or unsolicited bulk e-mail, is something you are probably already familiar with (and tired of). If you get a spammed advertisment, certainly don't take the sender up on whatever offer they are making, but also don't bother replying with "REMOVE" in the subject line, or whatever (probably bogus) unsubscribe instructions you've been given). This simply confirms that your address is being read by a real person, and you'll find yourself on dozens more spammers' lists in no time. If you open the message, watch your outgoing mail queue to make sure that a "return receipt" message was not generated to be sent back to the spammer automatically. (It is best to queue your mail and send manually, rather than send immediately, so that you can see what's about to go out before it's actually sent. You should also turn off your mailer's automatic honoring of return receipt requests, if any.) If you have a good Internet service provider, you may be able to forward copies of spam e-mail to the system administrators who can route a complaint to the ISP of the spammer (or if you know a lot about mail headers and DNS tools, you can probably contact these ISPs yourself to complain about the spammer.) If you are getting spammed a lot, there are a variety of filters and anti-spam services available, including:
Spam Hater ( http://www.cix.co.uk/~net-services/spam/spam_hater.htm ) for Windows users;
TAG ( http://alcor.concordia.ca/topics/email/auto/procmail/spam ) for experienced Unix users;
SpamBouncer ( http://www.spambouncer.org ) for experienced Unix users (works well with TAG);
BrightMail ( http://www.brightmail.com/ ) for ISPs;
SpamCop ( http://spamcop.net/ ) for anyone;
More information on fighting spam is available at:
Elsop's Anti-Spam Page ( http://www.elsop.com/wrc/nospam.htm );
MaximumDownforce's Info-n-Links Page( http://www.maximumdownforce.com/hotlinks.html );
Whew's Anti-Spam Campaign ( http://www.whew.com/Spammers/ ).
Many of these are difficult to use for novices, and some require Unix expertise. Others are services that deal with ISPs only, not end users.
8) Be conscious of Web security.
Never submit a credit card number or other highly sensitive personal information without first making sure your connection is secure (encrypted). In Netscape, look for an closed lock (Windows) or unbroken key (Mac) icon at the bottom of the browser window. In Internet Explorer, look for a closed lock icon at the bottom (Windows) or near the top (Mac) of the browser window. In any browser, look at the URL (Web address) line - a secure connection will begin "https://" intead of "http://". If you are at page that asks for such information but shows "http://" try adding the "s" yourself and hitting enter to reload the page (for Netscape or IE; in another browser, use whatever method is required by your browser to reload the page at the new URL). If you get an error message that the page or site does not exist, this probably means that the company is so clueless - and careless with your information and your money - that they don't even have Web security. Take your business elsewhere.
Your browser itself gives away information about you, if your IP address can be tied to your identity (this is most commonly true of DSL and broadband users, rather than modem users, who are a dwindling minority). For a demo of how much detail is automatically given out about your system by your browser, see: http://privacy.net/analyze/ .
Also be on the lookout for "spyware" - software that may be included with applications you install (games, utilities, whatever), the purpose of which is to silently spy on your online habits and other details and report it back to the company whose product you are using. One MS Windows solution for disabling spyware is the Ad-aware program (shareware, from http://www.lavasoft.de/ ), which can remove spyware from your computer; it is based on a large collaboratively maintained database of information about spyware. Linux and Mac products of this sort are likely to appear soon.
Java, Javascript and ActiveX can also be used for spyware purposes. Support for these scripting languages can be disabled in your browser's configuration options (a.k.a. preferences, settings, or properties). It is safest to surf with them turned off, and only turn them on when a site you trust and want to use requires them. If you don't know if your browser supports these languages or don't know if they are turned on you can use BrowserSpy to find out (along with a lot of other information about your Web browsing software): http://gemal.dk/browserspy/
Another form of spyware consists of "webbugs", which typically manifest themselves as invisible or nearly invisible image files tied to cookies and javascripts that track your Web usage. See http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=webbugs+%22web+bugs%22 for more information on webbugs. See also this webbug FAQ, http://www.nthelp.com/OEtest/web_bug_faq.htm for more details. Dealing with webbugs when they are embedded in an otherwise legitimate page is thorny, as there isn't a surefire way to distinguish between webbugs and run-of-the-mill image files. But see the Privacy Foundation's Bugnosis webbug detector ( http://www.bugnosis.org/ - Windows MSIE only). When webbugs are loaded into popup pages, the solution is to close the popups (usually a small page with an ad, though some of them are "micropages" that you can barely see. A few may even use javascript tricks to keep you from closing them. If this happens, close all other browser windows, then you should be able to close the bug window). Another tip for defeating webbugs is to reject any cookies from Doubleclick, AdCast, LinkExchange and other "ad exchange networks" (cookie sharing rings), and any other cookies that are not from the site you are currently visiting (most third-party cookies are basically webbugs). Lastly on this topic, be aware that HTML-capable e-mail programs and Usenet newsreaders make webbugs work in your e-mail and newsgroups. If your mailer or newsreader has an option to turn off cookie support, you should certainly do so. There is hardly any imaginable legitimate use for a cookie in an email or a newsgroup posting.
9) Be conscious of home computer security.
On the other side of the coin, your own computer may be a trouble spot for Internet security. If you have a DSL line, broadband cable modem or other connection to the Internet that is up and running 24 hours (including T1 at the office without a firewall or NAT), unlike a modem-and-phone-line connection, be sure to turn your computer off when you are not using it. Most home PCs have pitifully poor security compared to the Unix workstations that power most commercial Web sites. System crackers search for vulnerable, unattended DSL-connected home computers, and can invade them with surprising ease, rifiling through files looking for credit card numbers or other sensitive data, or even "taking over" the computer and quietly using it for their own purposes, such as lauching attacks on other computers elsewhere - attacks you could initially be blamed for. Firewall hardware and software is another option that can protect you from these kinds of attacks (available at any computer store; freeware and shareware implementations may be available at sites like http://www.shareware.com or http://www.download.com.
10) Examine privacy policies and seals.
When you are considering whether or not to do business with a Web site, there are other factors than a secure connection you have to consider that are equally important to Web security. Does the site provide offline contact information, including a postal address? Does the site have a prominently-posted privacy policy? If so, what does it say? (Just because they call it a "privacy policy" doesn't mean it will protect you - read it for yourself. Many are little more than disclaimers saying that you have no privacy! So read them carefully.) If the policy sounds OK to you, do you have a reason to believe it? Have you ever heard of this company? What is their reputation? And are they backing up their privacy statement with a seal program such as TRUSTe ( http://www.truste.org/ ) or BBBonline ( http://www.bbbonline.org/ )? (While imperfect, such programs hold Web sites to at least some minimal baseline standards, and may revoke, with much fanfare, the approval-seal licenses of bad-acting companies that do not keep their word.) If you see a seal, is it real? Check with the seal-issuing site to make sure the seal isn't a fake. And examine terms carefully, especially if you are subscribing to a service rather than buying a product. Look out for auto-rebilling scams and hidden fees.
11) Remember that YOU decide what information about yourself to reveal, when, why, and to whom.
Don't give out personally-identifiable information too easily. Just as you might think twice about giving some clerk at the mall your home address and phone number, keep in mind that simply because a site asks for or demands personal information from you does not mean you have to give it. You do have to give accurate billing information if you are buying something, of course, but if you are registering with a free site that is a little too nosy for you, there is no law (in most places) against providing them with pseudonymous information. (However, it would probably be polite to use obviously fake addresses, such as "123 No Such Street, Nowhere, DC 01010". If they are generating mailings based on this information - presumably in accordance with the terms of their privacy policy - they can probably weed such addresses out and not waste the postage on them. Definitely do NOT use someone else's real address!) However, if you are required to agree to terms of service before using the free service, be sure those terms do not include a requirement that you provide correct information, unless the penalty is simply not being allowed to use the service any more, and you're willing to pay that price if they figure out you are not providing them with your actual personally-identifiable information.
12) Use encryption!
Last but certainly not least, there are other privacy threats besides abusive marketers, nosy bosses, spammers and scammers. Some of the threats include industrial espionage, government surveillance, identity theft, disgruntled former associates, and system crackers. Relatively easy-to-use e-mail and file encryption software is available for free, such as Pretty Good Privacy (PGP, available at: http://www.pgpi.org/ ), which runs on almost all computers and even integrates seamlessly with most major e-mail software. Good encryption uses very robust secret codes, that are difficult if not impossible to crack, to protect your data. You can also use specialized services (some free, some pay) that go beyond infomediary services, including running all connections through a securely encrypted "tunnel", anonymous dialup, even anonymous Web publishing. Anonymizer ( http://www.anonymizer.com/3.0/affiliate/door.cgi?CMid=13763 ) offers all of these services. Another type of product is SSH tunnelling (port forwarding) packages, such as FSecure SSH ( http://www.fsecure.com/products/ssh/ ), and SecureCRT ( http://www.vandyke.com/products/securecrt/ ).
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