You too search the Internet to find out about a disease, a medicine, or ways to stay healthy, right? It's actually a very good habit. But while searching for such information, have you ever thought about how safe your personal details, information about what you watch, are? Today, let's talk about how to protect the privacy of your health information in this digital world.
How do trusted websites protect you?
When you're looking for health information, especially on a website that requires you to register with things like your name, age, and email address, that website has a big responsibility to protect your information. Good, trustworthy websites use a variety of technologies to do this.
SSL security lock
Simply put, it's like converting the information you give to a website into a special code language and sending it securely. This is what we call SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) . This method helps to ensure that no one can eavesdrop on the information as it travels from your computer to the website's server.
It's easy to tell if a website you're using has SSL security . If there's a small arrow symbol at the beginning of the web address in your web browser's address bar and the address starts with `https://` instead of `http://`, it has SSL security.
Firewalls
Don't be afraid of its name. A firewall is like a wall around your home. It prevents unwanted people from entering your home, and it also helps prevent unwanted people (thieves or hackers) from accessing your website. Every connection that tries to access the server that contains your information is checked through this firewall , and if it sees anything unsafe, it is stopped immediately.
User ID and Password
To log in to most websites, you need a unique username (User ID) and password (Password), right? This is also an important security measure. This allows the website to correctly identify you (authentication) and allow only you to log in to your account (authorization). Because of SSL technology, your password is never sent directly over the internet, it goes through the encryption method we talked about earlier.
How can you protect yourself?
No matter how much security websites provide, there are still some things you need to do on your own. Because you are responsible for the security of your computer or phone. Here are some things you can do.
| Steps you should take | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Use a strong password. | Make your password at least 8-10 characters long, using letters, numbers, and symbols like #, @, and $. That way, no one can easily guess it. Don't use the same password everywhere. It's also a good idea to change your password every now and then. |
| Use your own firewall. | Just like websites, you can set up a personal firewall on your computer. These come built-in to newer operating systems like Windows and Mac OS. Keep it turned on. This will block unwanted connections from the Internet to your computer. |
| Protect yourself from malware | These are types of software that act like thieves. They can steal your information, stop your computer from working, and send emails from your accounts. Therefore, be sure to install good anti-virus and anti-spyware software and update it regularly. |
What is Malware and Spyware?
Simply put, Malware (Malicious Software) is any software designed to harm your computer, steal your information, or otherwise operate on your computer without your control.
- Viruses: These spread from one computer to another, like a disease.
- Spyware: These spy on your computer secretly. They steal information like the websites you visit and the things you type (even passwords ) and send them to someone else.
The best way to protect yourself from these is to use reliable security software . Also, regularly install security updates released by the operating system (Windows, Android, iOS) on your computer or phone.
How do websites use your information?
When you register with a trusted health website, they use your information to provide you with the services you need. For example, to send you email messages about relevant health articles.
Good companies will never sell your Personally Identifiable Information (PII) to other companies or use it for their advertising purposes without your permission. So it's wise to read their privacy policy before registering on a website.
If you log into your account from a computer in a public place (public library, internet cafe), never forget to "Log Out" when you're done. If you don't, someone who uses that computer after you can log into your account.
The Internet is an ocean of knowledge. It is very important to utilize it properly. It is also important to think about your safety while surfing that ocean of knowledge.
Take-Home Message
- Check if the address of the website you are using starts with h TTP s:// and if it has the key symbol . That is the first sign of security.
- Your password should be strong and difficult to guess. Use letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Install good Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware software on your computer and phone, and update it regularly.
- Think twice before clicking on links or attachments in emails from unknown people.
- Before registering on any website, read their privacy policy.
- If you have a question about your health condition or treatment, always consult a qualified medical professional (doctor) and do not rely solely on information found on the internet.
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