Personal information security
Home Glossary Disclaimer Site map	This seems like a heavy topic for a lifestyle web site, but not so! For those of us who are not 'out' and want to keep it that way, or for anyone concerned about their safety and privacy, there are a number of simple things you can do to keep your identity and activities private. Telephone - I used to have an old mobile telephone on a pre-paid account which I used for meeting people. A pre-paid account costs $25 for $30 worth of credits, which will last 6 months. That way, people can call me but they don't get my personal mobile number. - if you're really concerned, you can always call new people from a public telephone. - when ringing people, be aware that your phone may transmit your telephone number through the caller ID system. In Australia you can dial the number 1831 (landline phone) or #31# (Telstra mobiles) before the phone number to block caller ID for the next call only; see the front of the Telstra business & government White Pages for more information. Online - web-based email accounts are free; Hotmail and Yahoo are two well-known ones. When cruising, avoid using email accounts with your name in the address, your work email, or your home account if you live with others and they have access to the computer. - You should never, ever use your work internet account or email for cruising, as you will probably be identified by the IT staff. A nerdy, pimply teenager is the last person you want knowing which sites you've visited... oh, and you may lose your job as well. - when you visit Hotmail or other web-based email sites, depending on your settings it may display the email address which last logged on. If you share the computer, and your email address is something like 'skanky_tv_slut48901@whoremail.com', then others may see this and become suspicious (or intensely aroused). - be aware that there are many kinds of malicious software out there, some of which may have infiltrated your computer. These include keystroke loggers, spyware, and viruses. Defence against these is outside the scope of this site, but a Google search will reveal numerous articles on how to prevent and remove infestations. I work on the assumption that my computer security is well and truly penetrated, and do not use credit cards over the internet unless absolutely necessary. Many virus attacks concentrate on Microsoft products; using Netscape or other browsers might reduce your vulnerability. - never allow compromising photos where you are identifiable to be posted on alternative lifestyle web sites. You can try the old 'yes, but what were you doing looking at that site?' trick, but by then the damage is done. Other - obviously, never give out your home address until you are really comfortable with somebody - the memory on digital cameras should be thoroughly checked after a raunchy photo shoot. Be aware that some cameras may store images directly on the camera as well as on a memory card. Refer to the camera operating manual, have a look through the menu system, or remove the memory card to see if anything still appears.		See also: Safety in public External links: Microsoft Netscape