The richest source of such data is the browser. Every year in Russia, 129.8 million users leave their “digital footprints” – various data – on the websites of online stores, social networks and various services. As a rule, this data is then used to create targeted advertising and can also become the property of cybercriminals.
That’s why the browser is one of the critical sources of information. Each browser can keep a log (cache) of the URLs the user has accessed. Page elements can be cached, for example, they can be graphic images.
Data left by users in online stores and social networks – comments, messages, transactions – can be stored in special databases. They can be stored both in government databases and in public archives. There is no 100% guarantee that data will not reach hackers.
“Protecting data privacy on the Internet is a burning issue, and it can be difficult for even someone with personal digital security experience to understand how far services have come in collecting information about users. To protect your data, answer these questions yourself – what information do you need to protect, to whom and why it might be needed, how an attacker could get it. Develop a healthy habit to continually improve your digital awareness and literacy. Think about what access and permissions you give to the services and what kind of advertising you pay attention to, ”says Sergey Kuzmenko, senior specialist in testing digital products at Roskachestvo.
Source: Ferra
