The terms entered into a search engine may not always be secret.  A history is saved on the local computer as well as in the search engine company logs.  In a recent case someone hit person and claimed they though it was a dear.  A search of the person’s computer revealed searched such as “hit-and-run” and out-of-state repair shops just after the accident which led to a conviction.

Ways to keep your search terms private on your local computer:

-Software programs can erase your history.  Some work better than others as information can be saved in many different places.

-Encryption programs can scramble all the information on the disk.  Disk manufacturers are developing automatic disk encryption that will perform much better.

-Note that this usually does not protect against “key loggers.”  These systems can be either hardware or software that track every key stroke.  These systems records even more information than simply intercepting information.  This is because every key stroke is recorded, even if backspace or delete keys are used.

 Search engine privacy:

-Use a “proxy” service.  A proxy goes out and gets your Internet pages for you so the web site visited only has a record of the proxy and not your computer.

-Some search engines claim they do not maintain log files of who visits.

Web surfing has become increasingly more complicated to detect things like viruses, botnets, and malware.  In addition to things like firewalls and virus detection, it is prudent to set up a separate account for web surfing, chat programs and games.  This account would have limited rights so it would not have access to other programs where personal data is saved.  That way if a problem does arise there is some added protection.  The best option is a completly separate computer but this is another option when that is not practicle.

The normal account when set up has “adminstrative rights.”  This means that the user can install programs and has access to all the data.  By setting up a separate account that has only “user” or “guest” rights programs cannot be installed and the data of the main user is not accessible.  For instance, malware loaded via a chat program would not have access to financial or other files in the adminsitrator’s account.

Credit reports should be reviewed for accuracy from time to time.  Don’t ignore small errors or unpaid debts no matter how small.  Negative information may result in higher interest rates for credit cards, loans and mortgages.  It could also take months to clear up a mistake.

When requesting the free reports be sure not sign up services by mistake.  For instance, credit monitoring services include a monthly fee.  The 3-credit report services compile the information from the three busreas.  If there is an error you may need to obatin all 3. 

-The three credit reporting bureaus must provide one free credit report per year, whenever corrections are made, or if credit is denied:

Equifax free credit report request:  http://www.equifax.com/answers/request-free-credit-report/en_cp

Transunion Free Credit Report Request:  http://www.transunion.com/corporate/personal/creditTools/freeCreditReport.page

Experian Free Credit Report Request:  “To confirm your eligibility and request your free or discounted copy delivered by U.S. mail, please call 866 200 6020” (or pay $15 online)  http://www.experian.com/credit-reporting/check-credit-report.html.

It is best to shred your personal documents before throwing them away.  Recently I saw papers flying around on trash day.  Looking down I saw a mortgage application and bank statements.  This person’s entire financial history was flying around in the wind.

When purchasing a shredder it is best not to get the least expensive machine.  Low end machines jam and the motor may burn out.  A better machine will last for years.  Do not overload the machine or shred for a long time without stopping.  If the motor gets hot let it cool down.  To lubricate:  use spray lubricant and spray a piece of paper before shredding it.

In the recent presidential campaign one candidate’s personal e-mail account has “hacked.”  Published reports said this was done using the Password Recovery feature of a popular free e-mail service.  The password recovery is done by answering personal questions.  The questions are often things like “Where was you Mother born”, “what was your first pet’s name”, etc. 

How was it done?  Someone just looked up the information about the candidate on the Internet and was able to answer the questions!  Even if you are not a presidential candidate things such a Mother’s maiden name is a public record that anyone can look up.

TIP:  Remember standard “wrong” answers to questions.  Where was your Mother born?  The hospital!