Web Browsing - Collected Information

You may not realize it, but as you are surfing the web all sorts of details are being left behind about your computer and where you have been. Most of this information is used harmlessly in website statistics, but it could also be used to profile you, or identify you as a vulnerable target for an exploit.

There are a few main pieces of information that get saved when you surf the web, this is by no means a full list, or a list of potentially what someone may be able to get, but the 'average' website will collect this data.

Referring URL - The prior website that you were surfing. This information is quite detailed, it will not just say google.com, it'll give the full website url that referred you, including the search words you used. In fact, they can click or copy that in to their web browser and see the exact page you left. Keep in mind that if you were in a website doing banking or something over a secure connection they won't be able to just login, however some less secure websites encode your password and username in to the URL itself, which could make that possible.

IP Address & Hostname - Your IP address and hostname identify you to the world, without a unique identity you wouldn't be able to request anything from the Internet. This will tell them who your ISP (Internet Service Provider) is and often give away where you live (to the city), or if you are working for a government agency, educational facility, or if you are surfing from behind a company proxy server.

Surfing Habits - Websites will record how many pages you have visited, the amount of time you spent at one page (before clicking on the next), the page you enter on, and the one you exited from.

Operating System and Software - This is a big one, as you are surfing information about your Operating System (OS) and the web browser you are using is recorded. Often the version numbers are also sent out. Additionally, they can actually tell your screen resolution and colour depth!

Most websites as I said before, use all of this information for statistical purposes, targeting advertising, developing a more user or operating system friendly website. However, it is good to keep in mind that a malicious person could also use this information.

Many security features are available through your web browsers, such as different levels of security for trusted and untrusted sites. Some linux browsers allow you to remove operating system and web browser information so it won't be available to websites. Personal firewalls, anti-virus software, malware scanners are all a great thing to have if you do a lot of surfing the web, and of course cleaning your internet cache and history!

It's always a good idea to keep privacy and security in mind when you are surfing the web and be careful of what websites you openly provide information to.

Ken Dennis
http://KenDennis-RSS.homeip.net

---

Adware and Spyware: The Problems and Their Solutions

The Threat10 years ago you could probably have run no... Read More

Technology and Techniques Used in Industrial Espionage

Industrial Espionage. These methodologies are being used on a daily... Read More

What is Spyware?

The most frustrating part of having Spyware on your computer... Read More

Online Cell Phone Scams and Spam

They're out there. Individuals trying to make a quick buck... Read More

Wells Fargo Report Phishing Scam

First off I should explain what phishing is. Phishing is... Read More

Internet/Network Security

Abstract Homogeneous symmetries and congestion control have garnered limited interest... Read More

Spyware Protection Software

Spyware protection software is the easiest way of removing spyware... Read More

Preventing Online Identity Theft

Identity theft is one of the most common criminal acts... Read More

Protecting Your Children On The Internet

If you are a parent, as am I, I think... Read More

Dialing Up a Scam: Avoiding the Auto-Dialer Virus

For many, the daily walk to the mailbox evokes mixed... Read More

Crack The Code - Thats A Direct Challenge

I Challenge You To Crack The Code ------------------------------------- I had... Read More

Anti-Spyware Protection: Behind How-To Tips

There is no doubt that "how-to articles" have become a... Read More

Burning Bridges is Bad, But Firewalls are Good

When you signed up for that ultra-fast DSL or Cable... Read More

How to Prevent Online Identity Theft

Identity theft rates one of the fastest growing crimes in... Read More

Spyware, What It Is, What It Does, And How To Stop It

Spyware is software that runs on a personal computer without... Read More

The Truth About Hiding Your Tracks on the Internet

Ok, ok, I know you've seen them. All those pop... Read More

Just Whos Computer is this Anyway?

Well, this is an article I never thought I would... Read More

The Bad Guys Are Phishing For Your Personal Information

Do you know what "phishing" is?No, it doesn't mean you... Read More

Its War I Tell You!

There are ways to insure security though. You can get... Read More

Is Your Music Player Spying On You?

In today's times spyware is a very serious issue and... Read More

How Can Someone Get Private Information From My Computer?

From the "Ask Booster" column in the June 17, 2005... Read More

Is the Internet Insecure Because of You?

Long gone are the days that we could feel secure... Read More

How To Clean the Spies In Your Computer?

Manual Spy Bot Removal > BookedSpaceBookedSpace is an Internet Explorer... Read More

Is My PC Vulnerable on the Internet?

No longer are viruses the only threat on the internet.... Read More

The Never Ending Spyware Story

It's been with us since 1993, it's gotten more intrusive,... Read More

Click Here To Defeat Evil

Microsoft routinely releases new security updates, many of which are... Read More

The Top Twelve Threats No Computer User Should Ignore

The internet is undoubtedly a fantastic resource for families and... Read More

If You Steal It, They May Come!

Business on the internet is getting down right shameless. This... Read More

Identity Theft ? Beware of Phishing Attacks!

"Dear Bank of the West customer", the message begins. I've... Read More

An Open Door To Your Home Wireless Internet Network Security?

This is not some new fangled techno-speak, it is a... Read More

Is Shopping Online For Your Horse Gifts Safe?

Shopping for horse gifts or other gift items on the... Read More

How to Know Whether an Email is a Fake or Not

A few nights ago I received an email from "2CO"... Read More

Spy Scanners ? Don?t Compromise your Privacy

Spies, spyware, internet parasites are among what they are usually... Read More