May 20, 2022

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Author: Matthew Turner

Combining Privacy and Features on the Internet

Every year, the volume of data that people receive and transmit through electronic technology is growing. And all means of data sharing, be it a computer or a phone that has access to the internet, systematically collect information about the user. In this regard, the topic of data privacy becomes very relevant.

Alongside the concept of privacy, we must also consider the concept of functionality. And it is not always clear what is more important when working on the network: privacy or functionality.

In this article, we will tell you how to achieve both and combine privacy and feature. Also, we’ll give a couple of cybersecurity tips.

Learn more about cybersecurity measures on the internet here.

Difficult choice

The need to choose between privacy and functionality is a dangerous trend because there is no right choice as such. We should not have to face this decision, but it seems that we are being forced to do so. And quite predictably, people very often choose functionality. However, not everyone leans this way.

Our ever-changing world is always developing wonderful new technologies, and some of these are created by dedicated people in the name of protecting the privacy of everyone.

At the same time, there are more and more different threats that call into question the use of only functional tools without careful consideration of security as well.

Threats to the security of information systems

Possible holes in information security can arise from two directions:

External threats

• People. Access to confidential data is accidentally or intentionally obtained by users of an external network. It can be both employees of the intruders.

• Force majeure circumstances. For example, natural disasters.

Internal threat

• Technical factors. A programming error, equipment failure, or power outage may occur, leaving the possibility of penetration into the network.

• Risks when using an unsecured internet.

Confidential data can be lost in different ways:

Information theft

• Stolen for selfish purposes – for example, for subsequent resale.

• Confidential information can be used for blackmail or extortion (Petya virus.)

• Substitution of information, both in the repository and directly during its transmission.

• Spyware programs that track your actions on your computer.

• Phishing emails allow scammers to steal personal data.

• Attribution of authorship is also common when an attacker, having hacked an email, begins to send messages on behalf of the hacked user.

• Disclosure of information that constitutes a personal or commercial secret. This is often found when trying to take revenge or ruin a reputation.

• Finally, the important data you need can simply be permanently deleted.

As we can see, the risks of using only functional tools for internet work are significant. Therefore, when choosing internet tools, it is necessary to choose not only functionality but also confidentiality and security of their use.

Combining privacy and feature with Utopia P2P

Thanks to developing technologies, we can combine the functional side with the confidential side. Thus, using just one tool, you can achieve complete confidentiality and data security, as well as a multifunctional device that replaces all the others.

Such a tool is the Utopia P2P network, a 3rd generation decentralized ecosystem that provides users with complete security during their internet experience. Utopia ensures users’ confidentiality, anonymity, and comfort. There is no censorship, surveillance, data tracking, or hacker attacks. The ecosystem is a place free from third-party monitoring.

In simple words, Utopia is a closed network on the worldwide web. It has a variety of built-in tools for messaging, data transfer, searching for information, browsing, online payments, gaming, and more. 

All you need to do is download the ecosystem on your PC (Windows, Linux, macOS,), install it, pass the anonymous registration, and start using all the private tools on daily basis. No one will ever know your real name, address, search history, or online activities but you. 

By choosing only one tool, you get fully-fledged privacy, security, confidentiality, and functionality.

Find out more about Utopia P2P here.

9 rules for safe use of the internet

1. Install antivirus programs

A virus is a malicious program that penetrates your computer, laptop, or smartphone in various ways. It can not only interfere with its functioning, for example, making part of the permanent memory inaccessible, but can also steal confidential information: logins, passwords, or bank details. To protect against viruses, there are antiviruses. It is important not just to use them, but also to periodically update their databases because the creators of malware are constantly launching their new versions on the internet.

2. Use complex usernames and passwords

Logins in the form of first name, last name, and password type 1234 or QWERTY is not the best idea. If someone seriously decides to steal your confidential information, he will split such a “protection” into two accounts. A good username or password is a complex combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. 

Here is a guide on creating strong passwords.

3. Log out of other people’s devices

Did you use someone else’s computer? After that, it’s not enough to just close the page you visited. Do not forget to log out of all accounts, social networks, and messengers on the device. Otherwise, the person who sits down at this computer after you will be able to log into your account and do whatever they please with it.

4. Check the security of connections

Always pay attention to what is written in the address bar. If you see that the site address starts with HTTPS – everything is fine. This is a secure connection and you can enter confidential information here. If the address starts with HTTP, it means that the connection is not secure. There should also be a lock icon to the left of HTTPS. For more confidence in the security of the connection, you can click on it and view the information in a pop-up window.

5. Be attentive to Wi-Fi connections

Public connections are available, for example, in cafés, shopping malls, and airports. Do not use them if you are going to enter usernames, and passwords, or make payments for services and goods via the internet. Or do not use them at all under any circumstances and limit yourself to the usual mobile internet.

You can read more about Wi-Fi dangers here.

6. Create two emails – for work and personal use

It’s not only convenient – it also helps to identify scammers. If a personal email comes to your work email stating that its author studied with you in the same class and you yourself gave him this address, it is immediately clear that something is fishy.

How to protect your email from threats? Read more here.

7. Do not share confidential information

Do not send passwords, usernames, passport data, PIN codes, and other similar information in messengers, chats, or by email. Do not do this even if your interlocutor claims that they are a representative of the bank, company, or other organization’s security team. If in doubt, it is better to call back to the organization and clarify the information by speaking to a real employee.

8. Limit information about yourself on the internet

It is better not to put your phone number, email address, and other contact information on public display. If you need to do this in connection with job responsibilities or job search, create an email address and phone number that will be used only for this. Many social networks allow you to set up a list of those who can view your profile and send messages.

Do you want to disappear from the internet? Learn more here.

9. Do not open suspicious emails

Before opening an email that is received in your inbox, read the title and see from which address it was sent. If you are not interested in the topic, if the title contains errors, if the address is a jumble of characters, or resembles the name of your bank but with rearranged letters, immediately send the message to the trash bin. And never open.exe files in emails.