Chapter 5, Problem 43SG

Explanation of Solution

Techniques to collect the personal data: There are various techniques for collecting the personal data. They are,

Electronic profiles:

• Electronic profiles contain the personal data such as name address, age, mobile number, interest, and so on.
• Whenever any magazine or contest form is filled, then all the information is stored into database.
• Even any social media account can be created with help of personal data.

Cookies:

• It is a text file which is stored on a user’s computer by the web server.
• This file contains details about the user like user name, shopping cart items, viewing preferences, and so on.
• Although both spyware and cookies collects information of the user, cookies is not considered as a spyware because it cannot track everything the user does.
• Cookies may not be spyware because website programmers do not attempt to hide the cookies.

Phishing:

• Phishing scam is a false attempt to obtain confidential information like usernames, passwords, information about credit cards, bank accounts and so on.
  • This is done by disguising as an honest entity via electronic communication.
• Phishing message asks the user to reply with their confidential information, or they can be in the form of pop-ups which collects user’s information...