Twenty-first century technology has advanced rapidly beyond expectation. With this technology we have gained unlimited access to knowledge and information around the globe through the phenomenal gateway known as "The Internet!" We have 24/7 access with the click of a keystroke to anything and everything that you can possibly imagine, all from the privacy and safety of our homes or offices. But, Use Caution - There Are Risks!
You can trace your roots, research your hobby, sell your handcrafts, find a sweetheart, find a new home, blog and even pay your bills. But, Beware! While you have access to the endless resources on the internet, you must remember that billions and billions of other people also share cyberspace. Many of the so called "other people" have invented countless malicious schemes to harm and defraud you, steal your identity and empty your bank accounts. The developing technology geared towards fraud has advanced at alarming rates.
Most consumers are not aware that upon registering a domain name, their name, address, telephone number and e-mail address are made public worldwide immediately and can be accessed by anyone at anytime in the WHOIS. The personal information made public could be especially harmful for battered spouses, home businesses that deal with large amounts of cash, expensive inventory, antiques or the collector that showcases valuable collections.
With identity theft on the rise, a thief sometimes only needs a minimum of information to cause years of harm, hardship or worse. Whether the website is a family album, hobby, antique or coin collection, club, blog or storefront, caution must be taken. The consumer must be informed of the dangers online and safer options against privacy intrusions.
Most of the time only common sense precautions are needed to avoid intrusions against your privacy and well-being. Your should Never give anyone more information than you would give to a complete stranger on a street corner! Additionally, Never respond to unsolicited email, no matter how convincing it appears. Never respond to e-mail that requires you to release or verify personal information even if it appears to be from a company or bank that you normally deal with. No reputable company will ask you for personal or identifying information in a e-mail. If you are in doubt, contact the company directly, not through the email you have received.
Finally, do not store your personal information, account numbers or any other information that you do not want others to view in your computer. When your computer prompts to inquire if you want to save your passwords, etc. click "No." Take extra precaution with a firewall and virus protection program.
If you are a website owner, you should begin by obtaining
Private Domain Name Registration. That should be step one of protecting you online identity. If you have a e-commerce website that requires an address be displayed, rent a box at your local post office for a minimal fee.
A website holds a wealth of information about a person, family or home business. However, millions of people are unknowingly offering the same information to billions of strangers worldwide everyday.
There is no complete or one remedy to stop identity theft, data miners, harassment or stalking. But when we all use simple common sense, inform and educate each other of the dangers that may await on the internet, we are all contributing to the prevention of online fraud and identity theft. Together we can all be part of the solution.
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Private Domain Depot is committed to informing the public of alternatives in domain name registration while providing high quality internet products loaded with the latest technology and customer service that make their customer's Internet presence a safe, productive and enjoyable experience.
