Managing privacy settings: lots of options, but beyond control?. (April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Furnell, Steven
• Is Part Of: Computer fraud & security. Number 4(2015)
• Page Start: 8
• Page End: 13
• Publication Date: 2015-04
• Subjects: Computer crimes -- Periodicals; Computers -- Access control -- Periodicals; 364.168
• DOI: 10.1016/S1361-3723(15)30027-0
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1361-3723

Abstract

Abstract : It is easily recognised that, alongside bringing many advantages, each generation of new technologies has tended to result in new routes for compromising, and indeed undermining, our privacy. From online services, to mobile devices, to the cloud, it is clear that each can offer something that we want, but can represent a privacy risk if used in an uninformed or overly liberal manner. While some see this as a clear concern, and want an opportunity to control it, others are comfortable that it is less of an issue. An increasingly wide range of devices and online services now provide privacy settings that enable users to regulate the data they share, and with whom it is shared. However, the volume of options available can often create a confusing array of controls, with the consequence that users can miss settings of relevance to them. Prof Steven Furnell of Plymouth University examines how the potential for misconfiguration has implications from both individual and organisational perspectives.