http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/privacy_issues/ Privacy issues in today's world. Read the latest scientific research on privacy issues and Internet security here. en-us Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:05:02 EST Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:05:02 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/privacy_issues/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105102729.htm A team of researchers in Spain has developed a protocol to distort the user profile generated by Internet search engines, in such a way that they cannot save the searches undertaken by Internet users and thus preserve their privacy. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105102729.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103144826.htm The details of your personal life, such as grocery purchases and pizza topping preferences, are collected every day -- online and by club and discount cards from the gym, department store and supermarket. Though this data seems innocent enough, when it's put together it can tell a whole lot about your health, finances and behavior. That information, researchers remind us, could eventually be used against you. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103144826.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930141539.htm The most effective way to prevent the deliberate misuse of biological select agents and toxins -- agents housed in laboratories across the US considered to potentially pose a threat to human health -- is to instill a culture of trust and responsibility in the laboratory, says a new report. Focusing on the laboratory environment will be critical for identifying and reducing concerns about facilities or personnel. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930141539.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020162223.htm Research scientists have now linked emergency medical services providers in the field to patients' preexisting health information, a link enabling emergency workers to make more informed treatment decisions and to transport patients to the most appropriate facility. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020162223.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014102201.htm If the wife of FBI boss Robert Mueller has warned him not to use internet banking because of the threat of online fraud, then what hope is there for the average Joe? The results of research suggests that more of us are no longer entrusting our finances to virtual accounts. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014102201.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013112524.htm Canadian engineers suggest that research is needed into the risks associated with the growing field of nanotechnology manufacture so that appropriate protective equipment can be developed urgently. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013112524.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013162746.htm Millions of Internet users have been enjoying the fun -- and free -- services provided by advertiser-supported online social networks like Facebook. But a computer scientist worries about the possible down side -- privacy problems. Thu, 15 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013162746.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013110053.htm Two decades ago, studies showed that computer users were violating best practices for setting up hack-proof passwords, and not much has changed since then. What's clear, say researchers , is that until human factors/ergonomics methods are applied to the problem, it isn't likely to go away. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013110053.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014102023.htm A recent study found that the information in hospital prescription records can quite easily re-identify patients. The author stresses the importance of ensuring the proper de-identification of patient records. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014102023.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091012084217.htm Engineers have shown that a wireless network of radio transmitters can track people moving behind solid walls. The system could help police, firefighters and others nab intruders, and rescue hostages, fire victims and elderly people who fall in their homes. It also might help retail marketing and border control. Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091012084217.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008161900.htm Robots equipped with wireless and sensing capabilities are available for use in the home. But the safety and privacy risks of these devices are not yet adequately addressed, according to a new study. Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008161900.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090923132958.htm The anticipated onset of a second wave of the H1N1 influenza pandemic could present a host of thorny medical ethics issues best considered well in advance, according bioethicists. Sun, 04 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090923132958.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901163926.htm At a time when medicine tends to focus on patients as a "collection of visceral organs and a nervous system," systems medicine provides a new approach to medical practice that is "anticipated to result in more comprehensive and systematic patient care." In a recent commentary, two researchers ask, "Is there a future for systems medicine" particularly as the country considers a health care overhaul? Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901163926.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930141541.htm A way to filter out denial of service attacks on computer networks, including cloud computing systems, could significantly improve security on government, commercial, and educational systems. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930141541.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922162249.htm A majority of medical schools surveyed report they have experienced incidents of students posting unprofessional content online, including incidents involving violation of patient confidentiality, with few schools having policies to address these types of postings, according to a new study. Sat, 26 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922162249.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918100012.htm Korean computer scientists have developed a security policy specification for home networks that could make us more secure from cyber attack in our homes. Sun, 20 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918100012.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090911103805.htm Successful entrepreneurs turn big ideas into successful business opportunities, but how should they protect those ideas? A new paper offers a "how-to" guide on intellectual property protection, laying out the options for budding entrepreneurs as they consider how to move forward. Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090911103805.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908193440.htm A new framework of recommendations created by health informatics researchers may help doctors and hospitals prepare for a federal initiative to expand the use of electronic health records. Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908193440.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090831130800.htm A new mathematical tool from a computer scientist in Israel aims to protect genetic privacy while giving genomic data to researchers. Sun, 06 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090831130800.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901082711.htm Patients who ask their doctor about information they have read on the Internet, or webs that better inform them of their diagnosis, are no longer a rarity. A study undertaken by Spanish researchers reveals the advantages and disadvantages of online medical enquiries. Some 31% of doctors believe that the Internet complicates their relationship with patients and undermines their credibility. Thu, 03 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901082711.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824151307.htm More than a half billion people use online social networks, posting vast amounts of information about themselves to share with online friends and colleagues. A new study has found that the practices of many popular social networking sites typically make that personal information available to companies that track Web users' browsing habits, and allow them to link anonymous browsing habits to specific people. Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824151307.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090814192853.htm Laws aimed at tackling illegal use of wireless internet connections are restricting attempts to increase broadband access, according to new research. Mon, 17 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090814192853.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727081110.htm Why are so many students deep in debt before they finish college, only to take on more debt as they begin their careers? The answer may be found by looking at the social forces that shape the attitudes and behaviors of today's youth -- forces influencing them in ways that will determine their financial success or failure as adults. Mon, 03 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727081110.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090723194315.htm People with potentially "stigmatizing" medical conditions are just as likely as those with less stigmatizing illnesses to allow their personal information to be used for health research. A new study found that the purpose of the research and the type of information to be collected were more important in determining patients' consent choices. In particular, they were very wary of allowing their personal information to be put to commercial use. Fri, 24 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090723194315.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090722120830.htm Though digital technologies and high-speed communications have significantly expanded the capabilities of scientists -- allowing them to analyze and share vast amounts of data -- these technologies are also raising difficult questions for researchers, institutions and journals. Thu, 23 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090722120830.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090721113309.htm Private information scattered all over the Internet and impossible to control. A new system, called Vanish, puts an expiry date on electronic text. Electronic communication sent using Vanish -- such as e-mail, Facebook posts and chat messages -- would have a brief lifetime and then self-destruct. Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090721113309.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090716164344.htm U.S. Department of Energy laboratories fight off millions of cyber attacks every year, but a near real-time dialogue between these labs about this hostile activity has never existed -- until now. Scientists have devised a program that allows for Cyber Security defense systems to communicate when attacked and transmit that information to cyber systems at other institutions in the hopes of strengthening the overall cyber security posture of the complex. Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090716164344.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090715112037.htm More than three-quarters of parents would be willing to allow the use of their children's newborn screening samples for research, a new survey shows. But more than half would be unwilling to permit use if their permission was not obtained beforehand. The survey sheds light on the emerging issue of how to square parents' concerns about privacy with medical researchers' desire to use the samples. Thu, 16 Jul 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090715112037.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090707111749.htm Comprehensive regulation of gun sellers appears to reduce the trafficking of guns to criminals, according to a new study. The study is the first to incorporate measures of the enforcement of gun sale laws into a study of the effectiveness of those laws. Tue, 07 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090707111749.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706171509.htm Researchers have shown that public information readily gleaned from governmental sources, commercial data bases, or online social networks can be used to routinely predict most -- and sometimes all -- of an individual's nine-digit Social Security number. Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706171509.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629165557.htm They're digging tunnels along the US border at a fast and furious pace, but not a single one of them has ever been discovered by US border patrol agents using technology. That's going to change. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629165557.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625133220.htm Whatever their reason for posting their thoughts online, bloggers have a shared ethical code, according to a recent study. Key issues in the blogosphere are telling the truth, accountability, minimizing harm and attribution, although the extent to which bloggers follow their own ethical ideals can depend on the context and intended audience. Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625133220.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090622194338.htm Making rules can be just as difficult as complying with them. Researchers investigated how well the Personal Data Protection Act (Dutch acronym Wbp) is harmonised with other rules that firms must comply with. Her findings: sometimes it is very difficult for firms to adhere to the rules of the Wbp. Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090622194338.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615112219.htm Could an entirely new approach to online security, based on distributed sanctions, help prevent cybercrime, fraud and identity theft? A report in the International Journal of Intercultural Information Management suggests it could. Thu, 18 Jun 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615112219.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090617080412.htm The current legal system relies on the moral compass of each individual jury to decide the outcome of a trial. This method could be viewed more as a lottery than an infallible system of justice. To investigate this claim, top criminal lawyers have created the Honesty Lab -- an online study devised to try and establish if the standard test for dishonesty used to convict criminals in England and Wales, based on the attitudes of each individual jury, is in fact flawed. Thu, 18 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090617080412.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090617123441.htm NIST, DOD, the intelligence community and the Committee on National Security Systems has released the first installment of a three-year effort to build a unified information security framework for the entire federal government. Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090617123441.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090605075051.htm With just $399 and a bit of saliva in a cup, consumers can learn about their genetic risk for diseases from breast cancer to diabetes. Now, thanks to social networking sites set up by personal genomics companies, they can also share that information with family, friends and even strangers on the Internet. Bonding over a similar genetic background sounds relatively harmless. But according to bioethicists sharing genetic information online raises a host of ethical questions. Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090605075051.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090601092145.htm New research shows that gay and lesbian couples are forming long-term, committed relationships, even in the absence of the right to marry. However, couples surveyed for the study overwhelmingly said they would get married if they could in order to secure legal rights -- such as retirement and health care benefits. Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090601092145.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090518173324.htm Some federal judges are tossing out civil cases based on their own opinions, a disturbing trend that makes background checks even more important in the search for a new associate justice for the US Supreme Court, a U.S. legal expert says. Mon, 18 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090518173324.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090518103231.htm Trade mark protection serves the needs of trade mark owners well – but to the detriment of others. Mon, 18 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090518103231.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090517152601.htm Local and regional government websites represent a significant privacy concern for the electorate, according to a new article. However, research suggests that a standard privacy policy could address concerns over fair use of information. Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090517152601.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090514222033.htm The American Civil Liberties Union action in filing a lawsuit yesterday against Myriad Genetics is going to lead to one of the most important legal battles in the history of biotechnology, asserts Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News. The ACLU charged that the patenting of two human genes linked to breast and ovarian cancer will inhibit medical research. The organization also claims that the patents are invalid and unconstitutional. Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090514222033.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090512093256.htm A survey of over a hundred older people living in residential care has revealed the factors that impact on their quality of life. The survey explores a number of universal issues and provides valuable pointers on how care can be improved for the aging population. Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090512093256.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090507055702.htm China has made significant progress in cybercrime legislation but faces increasing challenges to keep pace with the country's exponential growth in internet use, according to a new report. Mon, 11 May 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090507055702.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090507094214.htm A new study has found that families in China face considerable economic hardship following stroke, and it is not uncommon for health care costs to push families below the poverty line. The large study shows over 70 percent of stroke survivors in China experience a catastrophic impact on their financial situation due to loss of income and cost of health care. Thu, 07 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090507094214.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090501110216.htm A new article evaluates consumers' experiences with the Indivo personally controlled health record system -- a system developed more than a decade ago that has been adapted by PCHR providers including Dossia, Microsoft and Google. Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090501110216.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090423105900.htm When an employee has so many complex passwords to remember that he keeps them on a sticky note attached to his computer screen, that could be a sign that your organization needs a wiser policy for passwords, one that balances risk and complexity. New guidelines for institution-wide password management issued by NIST could help. Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090423105900.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090420084957.htm People find easily ways to manage their privacy on social media, says a new study. On Facebook user’s friends from different life spheres can read the same messages. For instance, one’s boss may see the messages the user is changing with his closest friends. Researchers found in their research six ways Facebook users are applying to solve this kind of situations. Wed, 22 Apr 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090420084957.htm