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Information Security Tips Series |
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In recent years, the "One Deal a Day" websites have become more prevalent in Hong Kong. Internet users buy products or services on the websites with a lower price. As the buyers reach a certain number, they would enjoy up to 90 per cent discount, but there are some risks such as problems of information security. When purchasing products or services online, you would submit your personal information, such as name, address, credit card number, email address, telephone number and date of birth. Do you know how the websites process your personal information? The following is a large "One Deal a Day" website's terms and conditions on information security and personal information. Types and usage of
data collection
"We may share information with third party service providers or advertisers authorised by us to analyse the effectiveness of our website content, system, and online advertising. We will also use personal data to (1) solve problems, (2) settle disputes, (3) contact (4) administer the website, and (5) implement consent with the relevant legal authorities." These are part of the terms and conditions. From the usage of personal data, we may imagine that the "One Deal a Day" websites would share with, or even sell the information to the service providers or advertisers so that users would become their target customers and thus the source of income of the "One Deal a Day" websites. Many users will receive more information of products or services from the service providers or advertisers. It may be beneficial to the user in the procurement process, but if such disclosure of personal information is not subject to strict control, the user may receive too much spam or advertising that may become a nuisance. Confidentiality of
information
"Your personal information will be kept confidential on the server. We will encrypt the sensitive information by using Secure Socket Layer technology. We have implemented the relevant measures to protect the information transferred through the Internet, but we cannot guarantee to pass the information over the Internet in 100 per cent confidentiality, and we are not responsible for this." Credit card payment method is one of the most convenient ways of shopping online, but have you ever thought of credit card information being leaked from the online shopping process? The terms of the confidentiality of information, through the Internet, do not guarantee the user's credit card information would not be leaked. Therefore, users will suffer the risk of data leakage. Release of
personal data
"We have informed traders that they may contact you on a particular promotion only, but we bear no responsibility for the behaviour of the merchants. Their action is out of our control." Obviously, when personal data are transferred to the service providers or advertisers, the "One Deal a Day" websites cannot restrict the process of personal data. Besides such risks, the copyright issue and the product quality are some of the problems of using "One Deal a Day" website services, but these would not be discussed in details as they are not a security related issue. Finally, when you use the service of "One Deal a Day" websites, you should pay attention to the details of the websites' terms of service and privacy policy, and you should be aware of protection of your personal data. You should understand how the merchants process your personal information. If there is any doubt, you should avoid accepting their products or services to prevent further loss. |
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