How do you know?

[Nicole]

How do you know who has and hasn't got information on you? Like AIM for instance, how do you know who has your name and who doesn't? How do you control this information?

Do you really know if your the only one that enters your mailbox? Who else could be looking at your information?

This freaks me out, to know that it's quite possible that people know when I'm online, it's not that hard to get others information, and hey if I can do it then so can others. Who's to say that people you don't want having your information, haven't already got it?

Sorry for the questions, but I just wonder how you all feel about this.

Does it concern you that this happens without you giving permission?

I'll leave it with you anyway.

 

[TonyG]

Yes, it does concern me so I try to be careful what I store online. There are software products to help protect you but somebody who wants to can still get around them.

 

[Nobody Special's wife]

Just wanted to say hi ..and a good question to boot!!

 

[TN_Vixen]

nahhh.. it doesn't really concern me outside of saving me embarrasment from knowing that people who I wouldn't necessarily share this type of personal things with would be reading it. I confess to everything and am unashamed. hehe

Easy for me to say with the possibility being vague, hmm?

 

[Nicole]

Hey I know all about it, believe me on that.

AIM bothers me though, You see all you need is an Email address to find someone, and you may not think people search for you but they do.

I have a mailbox that no-one knows about except me and the person that sends mail there, but who's to really say that were the only ones that know about it?

Who's to truly say that you for instance doesn't know I'm online right now. I have a name that is for two people only, my man and his wife, but really whos to say that their the only ones that know that name?

Okay I'm stopping now before I get to freaked.

 

[Guest]

We are not alone out there!

...Sorry Nicole. I didn't mean to make lite of your worries. Just, your last line "Okay I'm stopping now before I get to freaked" made me think of X-files.

Now, let me get this straight here. Are you worried about people knowing (as an example) that "NikkiDwnUndr" is currently online and "available for chat", or are you worried that someone may find out your name, addy, etc. baised on what you filled out to start up an account?

(More later...once I have further knowledge!)

 

[Nicole]

Now, let me get this straight here. Are you worried about people knowing (as an example) that "NikkiDwnUndr" is currently online and "available for chat", or are you worried that someone may find out your name, addy, etc. baised on what you filled out to start up an account?

Is she really, and just so you know that isn't me people, so don't talk to her (LOL).

I guess yes I'm worried that people know that I'm online right now, I don't ever give my name and street address out online so that isn't possible (I hope).

You see when I go on a certain name I like to be alone, just let Havoc and Rosebud know when I'm on, so I don't really want others talking to me, but Tiggs, who's to say that people don't know that name, cause really it's quite sipmle to get isn't it.

Thanks for making me laugh by the way.

 

[miles]

Your privacy is directly related to how often you use your real name and/or Internet provider email address when you register for AIM or things similar. Yahoo, Hotmail, and Alta Vista offer free web-based email accounts where you can register under any name - I use "other". The same goes for your home phone # and address. Unfortunately there are reverse telephone number and address lookups on the web. With only a street address and zip code you can get a map to someone's home. But there is a much more serious threat to people with DSL, cable,fiber optic, or other "fast access" Internet connections. They are VERY susceptible to hackers. My firewall software sometimes reports 5 or 6 attempted break-ins to my PC in one day.Most are people just screwing around with no interest in hacking your system, but some are "Trojan Horse" virus attacks which are very nasty.

The following link will run a security analysis on your connection free of charge. You may be surprised by the results.

http://www.secure-me.net/scan

 

[Guest]

I guess yes I'm worried that people know that I'm online right now, I don't ever give my name and street address out online so that isn't possible (I hope)...

Unfortunately, in some cases, yes it's possible. Example, through AOL there is a program out there (similar to all those fun viruses) than can inable someone to steal your password to your "NikkiDwnUndr" account (sawwy, I just love that name! lol). The person who uses such a program can gain access to your personal info (which on AOL, at least, you need to start your account with them) such as name, addy, CC #...

As for someone simply knowing when you are online, there should be ways to "hide" (like Lit allows) by going into invisible mode. I also know that AOL and yahoo allow you to "go into hiding". I'm not sure about AIM though. (Or whatever your main net server is.)

I suppose, if "too many" people find out your AIM name, you could prolly make a new name. Give it to whichever few friends you want, then stay in hiding otherwise.

 

[Andra_Jenny]

It's 1984 baybe

It's a Brave New World. Just assume that the TV is watching you, and like Truman, GIVE A GOOD SHOW. IT MUST GO ON!

 

[Andra_Jenny]

PS

Give me, a computer, a modem, some software and 48 hours and I'll track ya.





Who loves ya, baby!



PS
miles,

It ain't from a movie, but...