ITC174: Assessment 2

Assessment 2: Persuasive Blog

Unethical human activity is primarily responsible for a lack of privacy and safety on the internet.

As we have entered the 21st Century, technology regarding the internet has developed from first generation computers, communicating through a single network to having almost every part of our lives contributing to some sort of internet source, whether that be social media and communicating platforms including, email and text message, as well as webpages for use at the workplace and schools. Due to the unethical human activity at this present time, the lack of privacy and safety on the internet is beaming, and it has become a massive problem within our society.  

The invasion of our privacy and security has raised prominent red flags in the last few years regarding serious issues on the internet. Nowadays people can be hacked, causing painful viruses, the history of searches can be found and collected, emails can be read, online cookies collect and retain personal information and logins and passwords can be easily encrypted. Unfortunately, it has become more common and harder to resolve.  

Unfortunately, due to the lack of privacy and safety on the internet it is incredibly important for internet users to protect their confidential information. Thankfully, the development of trusted security services for internet use has allowed for more freedom on the internet. According to Norton 360, a secure VPN distributor, A virtual private network (VPN) creates a private network from a public internet connection, giving you online privacy and anonymity. Your internet protocol (IP) address is hidden behind a VPN, making your online activities untraceable. VPN services create safe and protected links, providing greater protection than a secured Wi-Fi hotspot. They address on their website that surfing the web on an unsecured Wi-Fi network allows for exposure to personal information and browsing history. Hence, a Virtual Private Network should be a must for internet users concerned about their online security and privacy. (“What is a VPN?”, 2021) 

Think of all the times a user may have been on the go, scrolling through social media, reading emails, and even looking at extremely delicate personal information, like a bank account, credit card details or security credentials, using unsecure “Free Wi-Fi”, this could be in Café’s, shopping malls, Airports, Hotels, etc. The largest threat to free Wi-Fi security is the ability for the hacker to position themself between you and the connection point. So instead of talking directly with the hotspot, you are sending your information to the hacker, which allows for them to do whatever they like with the information. (“How to Avoid Public Wi–Fi Security Risks”, 2021) 

Another useful way for ensuring safe internet access is frequently backing up devices that are used specifically, for the Internet and has access to all personal information. Netapp explains, ‘The backup’s aim is to establish a copy of the data that can be retrieved if the primary data fails. Primary data errors may be triggered by hardware or software failures, data theft, or a human-caused incident such as a malicious attack (virus or malware). To assist the company, backup copies enable data to be recovered from a previous point in time.’ (“What Is Backup and Recovery? – Why It’s Important | NetApp”, 2021) 

The impact of unethical human activity is primarily responsible for a lack of privacy and safety on the internet, due to easy access online it is so, incredibly important for internet users to have full control over their information online. Internet uses, now more than ever, need to take responsibility of their online activity and protect their valuable information. Using trusted VPN’s when using Wi-Fi and Backing up important data, will allow for extremely safer and private web browsing.