Internet security is a broad term that refers to a wide range of tactics that aim to protect activities conducted over the internet. Implementing internet security measures helps protect users from different online threats like types of malware, phishing attacks, scams, and even unauthorized access by hackers. 

In this article, we highlight the importance of internet security in safeguarding your computer network and outline what you can do to have a comprehensive computer security system in place. 

Why is internet security so important today?

As the internet expands and becomes an even bigger part of our lives, cyberthreats continue to grow both in scope and sophistication. According to Forbes, data breaches and cyberattacks saw an increase of 15.1% in 2021 compared to the previous year. These security threats come in different forms and vary in terms of complexity and detectability.  

Some common online threats people face today include: 

Malware: Malicious software is an umbrella term that refers to any program that exploits system vulnerabilities to damage a computer system or network and steal sensitive information from users. Examples of malware include viruses, Trojans, ransomware, spyware, and worms. 
Phishing: Phishing is cyberattacks that involve stealing a user’s sensitive data by duping them into opening an email or an instant message and clicking a malicious link. The data that cybercriminals target can range from login credentials to credit card numbers. Phishing attacks are often used for identity theft purposes. 
Spam: Spam is a term that describes unwanted email messages sent in bulk to your email inbox. This tactic is generally used to promote goods and services users aren’t interested in. Spam mail can also contain links to malicious websites that automatically install harmful programs that help hackers gain access to your data. 
Botnets: This contraction of “robot network” refers to a network of computers that have been infected with malware. The computers are then prompted to perform several automated tasks without permission. Examples of these tasks include sending spam and carrying out denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. 
Wi-Fi threats: Wi-Fi networks can be subject to a wide range of attacks that involve hackers exploiting unprotected connections and breaching data security to obtain sensitive information. 

While these internet security threats may seem overwhelming at first glance, safeguarding your computer or mobile devices from them is relatively easy. Below is a detailed look at some security solutions available to you. 

Internet security features to keep you safe online

As we stated above, setting up an internet security system is a relatively straightforward process. Here are some basic network security measures you can implement right away. 

Antivirus protection

The first step in making sure you have internet security is installing antivirus software. These programs are designed to prevent, search for, detect, and get rid of viruses and other types of malicious software.  

Antivirus software can run automatic scans to make sure no network or data breach has occurred and scan specific files or directories for any malicious activity or patterns. 

There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to antivirus software, however, few programs offer the comprehensive level of protection the antivirus software included in McAfee® Total Protection provides to its users.  

McAfee’s antivirus software comes with a wide selection of features, including malware detection, quarantine, and removal, different options for scanning files and applications, and an advanced firewall for home network security.  

Create strong passwords

While this may sound obvious, it’s important to create strong and unique passwords for all your online accounts and devices. A significant percentage of data breaches occur as a result of simple password guessing.  

Some tips to follow when creating a password include: 

Never use personal information, such as date of birth. 
Don’t reuse passwords. 
Avoid sequential numbers or letters. 
Combine letters, numbers, and symbols. 
Don’t use common words. 

It can also be a good idea to use a password manager, as this will help reduce the risk of your passwords getting leaked or lost. McAfee’s password manager, is particularly convenient thanks to its advanced encryption and multi-factor authentication. 

Check that your computer firewall is enabled

A firewall is a network security system built into your operating system. It monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic to prevent unauthorized access to your network. For it to be able to identify and block these threats, you’ll want to make sure your firewall is enabled on your device. If you’re unsure if your device comes with a firewall, you can benefit from one included in McAfee Total Protection. 

Use multi-factor authentication when possible

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an authentication method that requires at least two pieces of evidence before granting access to an app or website. Using this method as much as possible can add another layer of security to your applications and reduce the likelihood of a data breach. 

Choose a safe web browser

Your choice of browser is an important part of implementing internet security measures. In fact, web browsers vary widely in terms of the security features that they offer, with some offering just the basics and others providing a more complete range of features. Ideally, you should opt for a web browser that offers the following security features: 

Private session browsing 
Pop-up blocking 
Privacy features 
Anti-phishing filter 
Automatic blocking of reported malicious sites 
Cross-site script filtering 

How can you keep children safe online?

As children grow older, their internet use becomes more extensive. This can also increase their exposure to various security threats. To keep them safe online, educate them about the risks associated with web browsing and introduce them to some of the best practices for avoiding online threats like not sharing passwords. 

Explain which information should be shared and which information should be kept private and instruct them to never click on links from unknown sources. 

You should also take a more active approach to protect your children by setting parental controls on certain websites. For instance, you can use YouTube’s parental controls to filter any inappropriate content and keep a child-friendly interface. 

Internet security tips to know

The following tips can help you stay on the safe side in regard to internet security. 

Install antivirus software on all your devices. This is the first step you should take when securing your mobile and computer systems. Internet security software identifies vulnerabilities and can neutralize threats before they become a bigger problem. 
Keep your operating system and programs up to date. Neglecting to update your applications and operating systems can leave you exposed to threats as hackers seek to exploit unpatched vulnerabilities. 
Use strong passwords. Using strong passwords reduces the risk of a hacker cracking it and gaining access to your system. 
Use an ad blocker. Adware pop-ups often trick users into clicking on links that lead to malicious websites. Using an ad-blocker to help prevent this from happening. 

Use parental controls. Setting parental controls makes web browsing safer for children and reduces the chances of virus infection. 
Only shop on secure websites with “ https://” URLs. The “S” at the end of the HTTP extension stands for “secure” and indicates that the website has a security certificate and is safe for transactions. 
Never submit financial information when using public Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi hot spots lack security measures and encryption, making them vulnerable to prying eyes. Sharing sensitive information like bank card numbers when connected to one isn’t recommended. 
Use multifactor authentication. As we mentioned, MFA adds a layer of protection to the sign-in process and makes unauthorized access to your data extremely difficult. 
Check your bank statements regularly to catch any suspicious activity. Keep an eye for any transaction that you don’t recall initiating, as this could be a sign of a malware infection. 

Protect your device from online threats with McAfee

While malware attacks are common, their prevalence shouldn’t deter you from browsing the internet as usual. Adhering to the internet security best practices outlined in this article can help keep you safe from the majority of security threats that you might encounter online. 

For added security, consider using an all-in-one antivirus solution like McAfee+. This is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your devices from online threats.  

Let McAfee handle your security while you focus on enjoying the web.  

The post What Is Internet Security? appeared first on McAfee Blog.

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The internet has changed our lives in more ways than we can count. These days, anything we desire — whether it’s knowledge, career opportunities, or consumer products — is seemingly just a few clicks away from us.  

And while it’s safe to say the impact of the internet has been an overall net positive, it’s also worth mentioning that its widespread adoption has introduced a number of new challenges we haven’t had to tackle before. Chiefly among them is the need to safeguard our personal data from the prying eyes of uninvited strangers.  

These external threats on our data come in the form of malicious software, such as Trojan horses. Trojans are a type of malware that relies on social engineering to infect the device of an unsuspecting target. They get their name from the story of Odysseus when he hid his Greek soldiers inside a wooden horse to get inside the city of Troy. 

Basically, Trojans infiltrate computer systems by masquerading as legitimate programs that are unwittingly downloaded and installed by the users. Hackers often use trojans to steal sensitive data such as medical, personal, or financial information. They are one of the most common types of malicious programs and can pose a threat to computer systems if left undetected.  

In this article, we go over how to detect a Trojan infection and discuss some of the most effective ways to check for a Trojan on a Windows PC. 

How can you tell if you have a Trojan virus? 

Like any computer virus infection, a system that’s infected with a Trojan horse can display a wide range of symptoms. Here are the main signs you should look out for. 

Your computer is running slower than usual. Trojans tend to install additional malware that consumes computer processing unit (CPU) and memory resources. This can significantly slow your computer down and cause your operating system to become unstable and sluggish. 
Unauthorized apps are appearing on your device. A common symptom of Trojan infection is the sudden appearance of apps you don’t recall downloading or installing. If you notice an unfamiliar app from an unverified developer in your Windows Task Manager, there’s a good chance that it is malicious software installed by a Trojan. 
You experience constant operating system crashes and freezes. It’s not uncommon for Trojans to overwhelm your system and cause recurring crashes and freezes. An example of this is the Blue Screen of Death (BSoD), a Windows error screen that indicates that the system can longer operate safely due to hardware failure or the termination of an important process. 
You experience an increasing number of internet redirects. In some cases, a Trojan can manipulate the browser or modify domain name system (DNS) settings to redirect the user to malicious websites. Frequent redirects are a red flag, so you should scan your computer the moment you notice an uptick in these redirect patterns. 
You experience frequent pop-ups. A high number of pop-ups is another sign that your computer system might be infected with a Trojan. If you’re noticing more pop-ups than usual, there’s a strong possibility that a Trojan has installed a malicious adware program on your PC. 
Applications won’t start. On top of slowing your computer down, Trojans can interfere with applications and prevent them from running. If you have trouble starting your browser or apps like word processing and spreadsheet software, a Trojan virus might be embedded in your PC. 

4 best ways to check for a Trojan on your PC

Now that you’re familiar with some of the common symptoms of a Trojan infection, let’s delve into how you can check for it on your PC. 

Scan your PC using McAfee

The first step you should consider is scanning your PC using an antivirus program. These anti-malware programs are an integral component of cybersecurity and should be the first thing you turn to when you’re trying to detect and remove Trojans. 

There are plenty of malware scan options to choose from, with antivirus software included in McAfee® Total Protection being one of the most comprehensive and functional security software you can use.  

It offers real-time protection from all types of malicious software threats, including viruses, rootkits, spyware, adware, ransomware, backdoors, and, last but not least, Trojans. McAfee virus protection comes with several valuable features, such as on-demand and scheduled scanning of files and apps, an advanced firewall for home network security, and compatibility with Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS devices. 

Search for Trojans while in computer “safe mode”

The next option you should explore is to search for Trojans in “safe mode.” This is an effective method of Trojan detection since safe mode only runs the basic programs needed for Microsoft Windows operation, making it easy to spot any unfamiliar or suspicious programs.  

Here’s how you can search for Trojans in safe mode: 

Type “MSCONFIG.” in the search bar from the Start menu. 
Click on the “Boot” tab in the System Configuration box. 
Tick “Safe Mode” and click “Apply,” then “OK.” 
After the system restarts, re-open the configuration box. 
Click on “Startup.” 
Examine the list and see if there are any suspicious files. 
Disable any you deem suspicious. 

Check processes in Windows Task Manager

A simple yet effective way to detect unfamiliar applications or suspicious activity in your system is to check the processes in Windows Task Manager. This will allow you to see if there are any unauthorized malicious programs running in the background.  

To check a list of all the active processes that are currently running on your PC, press Ctrl+Alt+Del and click on the “Processes” tab. Check the list of active applications and disable the process of apps without verified publishers or ones you don’t remember downloading and installing. 

Scan your PC using Windows Security

Another method you can try is to scan your PC using built-in Windows virus and threat protection tools. Microsoft Defender (called Windows Defender Security Center in older versions of Windows 10) can perform virus scans and detect various types of malware. 

A dedicated antivirus software like McAfee virus protection can also detect and remove malware. Our program comes with a full range of features that are specifically designed to recognize and remove all forms of threats from your system. 

Perform a comprehensive scan using McAfee

Computer security shouldn’t be something you lose sleep over. As long as you’re using a complete virus protection tool like McAfee antivirus software, you can enjoy a stress-free browsing experience. 

McAfee virus protection software is especially effective when it comes to scanning for Trojans and other types of malware and removing them before they can cause any damage to your computer system. With real-time, on-demand, and scheduled scanning of files and applications at your disposal, we’ll help you detect any emerging threat in a timely manner. 

See how McAfee Total Protection can make your digital life that much more rewarding and check out our Personal Data Cleanup service, which regularly scans some of the riskiest data broker sites to help remove your personal information from the net and protect your identity from theft.  

The post Best Ways to Check for a Trojan on Your PC appeared first on McAfee Blog.

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A virtual private network (VPN) is a tool that enables users to protect their privacy while using an internet connection. VPNs create an encrypted tunnel — a private link between your device and the VPN server.  

Essentially, this private link or tunnel keeps external influences out and allows your data to travel in an encrypted manner, enhancing security. The network’s privacy also makes sure your Internet Protocol (IP) address and browsing history is hidden online.  

[Text Wrapping Break]VPNs use several VPN protocols like OpenVPN, IPSec/IKEv2, PPTP, SSTP, and WireGuard to protect you. In particular, McAfee® Safe Connect VPN supports the OpenVPN protocol, which is an open-source and highly secure protocol running on TCP or UDP internet protocol and used by many VPN providers globally. [Text Wrapping Break][Text Wrapping Break]Read on to know more about how VPNs work and learn to install one. 

What does a VPN do?

The best way to stay secure online is to minimize your digital footprint. A good VPN service allows you to do exactly this, acting as an additional layer of protection for your online activities.  

The primary function of a VPN is encryption. Most websites and online browsers already have some form of encryption. For example, when you purchase something on Amazon, you have to enter your credit card details and address. Encryption creates a private tunnel for data transmission between your device and Amazon to make sure no one else can watch what you’re doing.  

A VPN app does the same thing with an added level of security. The data that you pass to a VPN server is anonymized before it goes to the internet. In short, your device establishes an encrypted connection with the VPN server instead of connecting directly through the internet. So, the encryption protects your data and digital footprint from anyone outside the “private tunnel” between you and the secure VPN server.  

Additionally, VPNs allow you to change or hide your IP address. An IP address is a number linked to a particular computer and network. Changing your IP address can trick the servers into thinking you’re connecting from a different geographical location. This can help improve security and provide additional benefits discussed below. 

You can also use a VPN to hide your IP address. This may be helpful if you’re trying to access content from other countries (for example, Netflix may have different content in different countries) or trying to keep your internet search history away from the prying eyes of a third-party like your internet service provider or a government. 

Using a VPN can help improve your online security. Nearly every internet activity — website and social media browsing, paying bills, online shopping, data sharing, and more — can be tracked by others. [Text Wrapping Break][Text Wrapping Break]Read on to learn about who typically uses a VPN and understand whether you should consider installing one. 

Who typically uses VPNs?

Given the extra security that VPN connections provide, you can gain something from using a VPN client. So, if you’re an individual concerned about your online privacy or just want to browse online anonymously — consider using a VPN. A VPN enables you to use the internet without third parties seeing your identity or identifying you via your search history since they don’t know what you were searching about or using the internet for. 

Big tech has had a long history of tracking private data for their gains. These companies regularly bundle data into coherent profiles and sell it to third parties. Additionally, they use private data to demonstrate targeted advertisements or manipulative content that makes you more likely to purchase their products. [Text Wrapping Break][Text Wrapping Break]So, it’s worthwhile to use a VPN if you regularly shop online or bank online. A VPN gives you that additional protection that can help prevent hackers or malicious third parties from accessing your information.[Text Wrapping Break][Text Wrapping Break]VPNs are excellent mechanisms for you to protect your privacy online. And you should consider your personal context and conduct thorough research to find the best VPN for your needs. 

VPNs are particularly helpful if you travel a lot, either for business or for leisure. While traveling, it’s inevitable that you connect to random or unknown Wifi networks and it may be the case that these networks are spying on you. However, if you’re using a VPN to browse the web, these WiFi networks can’t track you or your search history. This ensures you maintain anonymity and are safe while using the internet.  

Should you use a VPN on your personal computer?

Yes, an additional layer of protection to your online activities is always good practice. A VPN allows individuals using a personal computer to stay vigilant, protect their data, and maintain anonymity while allowing them to still enjoy their online experience.  

Benefits of VPNs for personal use

VPNs provide more benefits than just serving as an additional layer for cybercriminals to pass through.  

Data privacy: The biggest reason to use a VPN is data privacy. Internet service providers (ISPs) regularly collect customer data and sell it to advertisers for money. Using a VPN allows you to hide your location and prevents your data from falling into the wrong hands. VPNs allow you to browse the internet in peace, knowing that no third parties are aware of your identity or can trace particular internet activity back to you.  
Security on public networks: Internet access through public Wi-Fi hotspots may not be the safest. User data on public networks is unprotected, making it vulnerable to bad actors who can use software to get past firewalls. With VPN encryption, you can remain safe even while using public Wi-Fi network connections.  

Secure online transactions: Think about the number of times you log into your bank account or give out credit card information on e-commerce sites. You can never be too safe when it comes to financial information.  
Change your location: Some content is geo-blocked for various reasons. It could be streaming services like Netflix limiting access to their services or different countries censoring content. VPNs can hide your IP address to trick servers into believing that your location is different from where your router is physically. This can give you access to a lot more content.  

Can you set up a VPN yourself?

Depending on the VPN you’re using, it can be a straightforward process to connect a VPN to your Mac, Windows, iPhone, or Android mobile device. McAfee’s VPN works with multiple platforms and operating systems, including Microsoft Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.  

Use this guide to quickly set up a VPN with your device in a few simple steps.  

Secure your browsing with a VPN from McAfee

With McAfee +, you can minimize your digital footprint through a secure connection channel without compromising your browsing experience. Connect to public networks, make financial transactions online, and keep your personal data safe with McAfee.  

With our bank-grade AES-256 bit encryption technology and automatic protection, McAfee VPN protection can help safeguard all your online activities — allowing you to enjoy the internet the way it was meant to be enjoyed. 

Explore our full suite of cybersecurity tools included in McAfee +, including our newest service, Personal Data Cleanup. We can help find and remove your personal data on some of the riskiest data broker sites.  

The post What’s the Meaning of VPN? VPN Defined appeared first on McAfee Blog.

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Malicious software, or “malware,” refers to any program designed to infect and disrupt computer systems and networks. The risks associated with a malware infection can range from poor device performance to stolen data. 

However, thanks to their closed ecosystem, built-in security features, and strict policies on third-party apps, Apple devices tend to be less prone to malware infections compared to their Android counterparts. But it’s important to note that they’re not completely without vulnerabilities.  

Several iPhone viruses could infect your smartphone and affect its functionality, especially if you jailbreak your iPhone (that is, opening your iOS to wider features, apps, and themes).  

This article covers how you can detect malware infections and how to remove viruses from your device so you can get back to enjoying the digital world. 

How does malware affect iPhones?

Malware can affect your iPhone in a variety of ways. Here are a few telltale signs that your iPhone might have an unwelcome visitor.  

Your iPhone’s battery life is shorter than usual. 
Pop-up ads frequently appear. 
Apps crash for no apparent reason. 
Unfamiliar apps are installed on your iPhone. 
You notice high data usage. 
The operating system is noticeably slow. 
Your iPhone is overheating. 

How to check your iPhone for malware

If you notice any of the signs above, it’s a good idea to check for malware. Here are some steps you can take. 

Look for unfamiliar apps. If you’re anything like the average smartphone user, you’ve probably downloaded dozens (if not hundreds) of apps. The sheer number of programs on your iPhone makes it easy for malicious apps to hide in plain sight and remain undetected for a long time. Take some time to swipe through all of your apps and closely inspect any that you don’t remember downloading or installing. 
Check your data usage. Heavy data usage can be a sign of a malware infection, which is why you should keep an eye on it if you suspect a virus is in your system. To do so, go to Settings > Mobile Data and check if your data usage is higher than usual. 
Check power consumption. Some types of malware run in the background and consume a significant amount of power without you noticing. To make sure that no such apps are installed on your phone, head over to Settings > Battery and select a period of your choice. Uninstall any unfamiliar apps that stand out. 
Keep an eye on pop-up ads. Running into pop-up ads is inevitable when browsing the internet. However, your phone might be infected with adware if you’re getting them at an alarming frequency. 
Scan your phone using antivirus software. As helpful as these steps are, running a complete scan using antivirus software is one of the most effective ways to detect malware. If you don’t have one installed already, consider using McAfee Mobile Security. This comprehensive security solution provides full-scale protection that includes a safe browsing feature to protect your digital life, Wi-Fi privacy, and a VPN for a more secure internet connection. Highly effective scans detect malicious apps and unwanted visitors before they enter your digital space. 

How to remove malware from your iPhone

If you’ve confirmed malware on your iPhone, don’t worry. There’s still time to protect yourself and your data. Below is an action plan you can follow to remove malware from your device. 

Update your iOS (if applicable)

In many cases, hackers exploit outdated versions of iOS to launch malware attacks. If you don’t have the latest version of your operating system, it’s a good idea to update iOS to close this potential vulnerability. Just follow these steps: 

Go to Settings. 
Click on General. 
Click on Software Update. 
Follow the instructions to update your iPhone. 

Restart your device

It might sound simple, but restarting your device can fix certain issues. The system will restart on its own when updating the iOS. If you already have the latest version, restart your iPhone now. 

Clear your iPhone browsing history and data

If updating the iOS and restarting your device didn’t fix the issue, try clearing your phone’s browsing history and data. If you’re using Safari, follow these steps: 

Go to Settings. 
Click on Clear History and Website Data.  
Click on Clear History and Data.  

Keep in mind that the process is similar for Google Chrome and most other popular web browsers. 

Remove any suspicious apps

Malicious software, such as spyware and ransomware, often end up on phones by masquerading as legitimate apps. To err on the side of caution, delete any apps that you don’t remember downloading or installing. 

Restore your iPhone

The option to restore to a previous backup is one of the most valuable features found on the iPhone and iPad. Essentially, this allows you to restore your device to an iCloud backup made before the malware infection.  

Here’s how: 

Go to Settings. 
Click on General. 
Click on Transfer or Reset iPhone. 
Choose Erase All Content and Settings. 
Choose Restore from iCloud Backup. 

Factory reset your iPhone

If none of the steps above solves the problem, a factory reset might be the next order of business. Restoring your phone to factory settings will reset it to its out-of-factory configuration, deleting all of your apps, content, and settings in the process and replacing them with original software only. 

To factory reset your iPhone, follow these steps: 

Go to Settings. 
Click on General.  
Click on Transfer or Reset iPhone.  
Choose Erase All Content and Settings. 
Choose Set Up as New iPhone. 

How to keep your iPhone safe from malware

The best way to protect your iOS device is to avoid malware in the first place. Follow these security measures to safeguard your device: 

Don’t click on suspicious links. 
Don’t install apps that Apple doesn’t recognize. 
Only download apps from the App Store. 
Don’t jailbreak your iPhone, as this will remove most Apple security features. 
Enable automatic updates for iOS and iTunes to stay in line with Apple’s security updates and bug fixes. 
Keep frequent data backups. 
Avoid engaging with suspicious text messages on iMessage, as hackers use them to spread phishing scams. 

Secure your iPhone with McAfee Mobile Security 

If you have an iPhone and are like most other people, you probably use your device for almost everything you do online. And while it’s amazing to have the internet in the palm of your hands, it’s also important to be aware of online threats like malware, which can put your digital life at risk. 

The good news is that McAfee has your back with our award-winning and full-scale mobile security app. McAfee Mobile Security provides full protection against various types of malware targeting the Apple ecosystem. With safe browsing features, a secure VPN, and antivirus software, McAfee Security for iOS delivers protection against emerging threats, so you can continue to use your iPhone with peace of mind. 

Download the McAfee Security app today and get all-in-one protection. 

The post A Guide to Remove Malware From Your iPhone appeared first on McAfee Blog.

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A data broker (also known as an information product company) is an organization that makes money by collecting your personal information, analyzing it, and licensing it out to be used by other companies for things like marketing purposes. 

Data providers gather data from many different sources to create a profile of who you are. This profile includes things like your interests, hobbies, demographics, and even the products you use.  

Generally, data broker companies only deal with customers to collect information. A few of the top data brokerage companies are Epsilon, Acxiom, and Experian, but there are many data brokerages worldwide that make a hefty profit from aggregating and distributing consumers’ personal data.  

This article explains everything you need to know about data brokers, including what they do, how they get your information, and what you can do to limit the data they can access from you. 

Where do data brokers get your information?

There are several ways information brokers can get your information — both online and offline. 

Sources available to the public: Some of your personal records are easily available to the public. Data brokers can collect public records like your voter registration records, birth certificate, criminal record, and even bankruptcy records.  
Search history: Data brokers can track and analyze your browsing history to see things like what content you’re interested in and what demographics you fall into. You leave a trail that brokers can follow whenever you do anything online (like sign into a social media app, visit a website, or do a Google search). Using web scraping tools (software that pulls information from the web), it’s easy for data brokers to see what you’ve been up to online. 
Online agreements: You’ll usually have to sign an agreement when signing up for a new service online. Many of these agreements have disclosures in the fine print that give the company the right to collect and distribute your personal information. 
Purchase history: Data brokers want to know what products or services you’ve purchased, how you paid for them (credit card, debit card, coupon, or loyalty card, for instance), and when you purchased them. This information can be very valuable to marketing companies. 

Are data brokers illegal?

Generally, it’s legal for data brokers to get your information through public sources. However, different locations have different protections in place for consumers and different rules for how data brokers must operate. 

Many countries have laws to protect consumers from having their information shared without their consent. For example, the European Union has the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to protect data privacy. The GDPR says data brokers need to get consent from consumers before sharing their information. The law also gives consumers the right to demand that companies delete any personal information that they have stored.  

On the other hand, the United States doesn’t have federal privacy laws protecting consumer information from data brokers. It’s up to the states to make their own laws. Some states prioritize consumer privacy more than others. For example, California has the Consumer Privacy Act, which gives customers the right to see what data a broker company has and the ability to delete it. 

Typically, companies ask for consent to share your information through the fine print of their agreements. You might not be aware of how much of your personal information you’ve allowed organizations to share.  

Who are the largest data brokers?

Data brokering is a huge industry. In fact, data brokers around the world bring in hundreds of billions of dollars a year. Here are some of the largest data brokerage companies that may collect your information.  

Epsilon Data Management, LLC: Businesses around the world rely on Epsilon for consumer data. The data management company has a massive database with details about millions of homes. You can request that your data not be collected by Epsilon on its website. 
Oracle America, Inc. (Oracle Cloud Data): Oracle is a technology conglomerate that designs and produces data network systems for businesses. Not only does Oracle team up with a large number of third-party data brokers, but the company also has its own database of consumer information. You can opt out of Oracle’s data collection program on their website. 
Acxiom, LLC: Acxiom is one of the largest data brokers. Acxiom collects a huge number of personal details about hundreds of millions of consumers from all over the world. For example, the broker might aggregate data like your political beliefs, health issues, and even your religious beliefs. Acxiom then sells information to businesses in sectors like finance or telecommunications. The company gives consumers the ability to opt out of its data collection program.  

Equifax Information Services, LLC: In addition to being a data broker, Equifax is one of the top three credit reporting agencies in the United States. The company collects consumer financial information that businesses can use to create targeted marketing campaigns. Investors can also use the information to gauge whether they should back an organization. To start the process of opting out of Equifax’s data collection program, you have to opt out of their marketing emails and their prescreened credit card offers. 
Experian, LLC: Experian is also one of the big three credit reporting bureaus in the United States. Like Equifax, Experian provides useful financial and personal information to both businesses and investors. Follow instructions on their website to opt out of Experian’s advertising program. You’ll need to opt out of their credit card offers separately.  
CoreLogic: CoreLogic collects information about things like which properties consumers own and how they spend their money. CoreLogic sells information to businesses and provides consumer data to real estate companies to help them screen potential tenants. You can opt out of CoreLogic on their website.  

What personal information do data brokers collect?

By using various sources, data brokers can aggregate a lot of information about you. This information can be used to create user categories that businesses can market to. For instance, if you visit websites that sell baby products, the broker might put you into a category like “new parents.”  

Some of the information that brokers collect might be things you’d like to keep private. For example, a broker might collect sensitive data about health issues, past bankruptcies, or legal issues.  

Sometimes, brokers may place you in the wrong category. Let’s say you’re buying a new cookware set as a birthday gift for your mother. You check out several cooking sites before purchasing your set. If the broker sees that you’ve visited cooking sites and purchased cooking products, they may place you in a category like “cooking enthusiasts” even though you brought the gift for your mother. 

Here are some personal details that a broker can collect to create a consumer profile of you: 

Full name 
Gender 
Birthdate 
Contact information (like your phone number and email) 
Home address and where you’ve lived in the past 
Marital status and family situation, including children 
Social Security number (SSN) 
Level of education 
Assets 
Job 
Purchase habits 
Interests and hobbies 
Criminal record 
Political preferences 
Health history 

How data brokers use your information

Businesses are always looking for useful consumer information. Purchasing consumer data from brokers helps them tailor marketing campaigns to the demographics that are most likely to buy their products. 

Let’s say you’re a fan of virtual reality (VR) gaming. You’ve watched countless YouTube videos about the subject, and you’ve searched Amazon for VR headsets multiple times. You’d likely be an ideal consumer for a company that manufactures VR headsets or a company that creates VR games.  

Other companies might use your data for risk mitigation. For example, a bank might use your personal financial history to determine whether you’re likely to default on a mortgage loan.  

How to protect your data from data brokers

There are a variety of public records and sources that data brokers can use to gather information about you. The good news is that there are some things you can do to limit the amount of personal information they can access: 

Be selective about what you share online. Don’t overshare personal information on social media. Avoid things like online quizzes and sweepstakes.  
Use a virtual private network (VPN) whenever possible. A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your data while you surf the web. McAfee’s Secure VPN protects your personal data and credit card information so you can browse, bank, and shop online without worrying about prying eyes (like data brokers). 
Use a Tor browser like the Tor Project or The Invisible Internet Project (I2P) to hide your actions online. Tor browser users remain anonymous online, but may sacrifice some connection speed.  

There are also a few organizations you can join to protect your information: 

Visit OptOutPrescreen.com. The Consumer Credit Reporting Industry site helps consumers opt out of prescreened credit card and insurance offers.  
Sign up for DMAchoice to get your name removed from telemarketing lists and direct marketing campaigns.  
Join the National Do Not Call Registry to avoid telemarketers.  

Discover how McAfee’s leading identity protection software can help

Data brokers are always looking for ways to get their hands on your personal information. Many reasons businesses want access to your personal data aren’t malicious. They simply want to provide you with a targeted advertising experience and introduce you to products you might like.  

 However, the more your personal information gets shared online, the more chances cybercriminals have to get their hands on it. There might also be some sensitive information you don’t want to share with businesses in general. If you’re careful about what you post and take steps to protect your cybersecurity, you’ll greatly reduce the amount of data that a broker can collect from you. 

With McAfee’s Total Protection services, you can get a secure online experience for your whole family. Our all-in-one protection suite comes with features like a secure VPN, premium antivirus software, identity monitoring, and up to $1 million in identity insurance and restoration.  

McAfee can help you safeguard data like financial records and health care information so you can have less stress online. You’re meant to enjoy the internet — and we’re here to help make that a reality. 

The post What Is a Data Broker? appeared first on McAfee Blog.

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