The internet allows users to talk, obtain files, and order products among other things. Most of us take for granted that the connection we are using is a direct connection to the web page. While this is generally true, sometimes it is not. Some people on the internet can and do try to interfere with other users even without the user's knowledge. By tapping the line, account passwords may be obtained, giving another user access to another's account. E-mail messages can also be intercepted and viewed. Protection is needed from these people.
One way to protect e-mail messages from being read is by encryption. Encryption changes a message that is normally not readable by viewing the document. A simple example was used by Julius Ceasar. He would use the mirror letter of the alphabet when writing letters. This made 'a' into 'z', 'b' into 'y', and so on. Pretty Good Protection (PGP) offers software on the internet to protect e-mail documents from being seen by others.
The Privacy Forum is avaible to discuss the topic of privacy and learn how to protect one's self. Past month's issues are also available to download. The Internet Privacy Coalition offers recent happenings in the government and organizations dealing with privacy. Epic also offers current news and archives of past privacy topics. Listen to Phil Clampit and Tim Meyer from UW-Green Bay talk about privacy concerning Who Owns E-mail in a business setting and discuss issues of Monitoring E-mail in a Business.
Other Topics: