Internet privacy protection

•Use a web content filter (or browser filter) to prevent remote site contact through ad banners and embedded web bugs. They are built into most browsers, but third-party programs usually offer better filtering and configuration options.
•Enable the popup blocker in your web browser. The better browsers have this built in.
•Disable HTML for e-mail or choose to view all messages as plain text if your e-mail client has such options - the better ones do; or use an e-mail content filter for web bugs and embedded content originating from a server other than the one belonging to the sender of the e-mail.
•Disable cookies in e-mail if your e-mail client has such an option - the better ones do.
•Encrypt your stored passwords. Most browsers include an option to store your online passwords. Be sure yours are stored encrypted and you set a master password for access.
•Set your browser for maximum privacy, forcing it to prompt you for permission for everything possible from cookies to downloads as well as security permissions for Java Classes (Mozilla, Firefox, Opera, and Netscape) and ActiveX Controls (Internet Explorer) as mentioned above. Once you become familiar with a site you can always add it to an 'approved' or 'trusted' sites list in your content filter or browser to avoid the annoyance of continuous prompts, but apply some caution as this is for absolutely trusted sites only.
•Clear your browser cache (called "Temporary Internet Files" in IE) and browser history often, and always after visiting any site where you performed personal business - online banking, making a purchase, etc.
•Read a site's privacy policy. The presence of a privacy policy does not mean that a company won't collect or sell your information. Read it carefully. If it is vague or unclear, watch out. If you can't find one, get out! .
•Never respond to spam by using their "click here to unsubscribe" or "follow this link for removal from our list". The one and only thing this does is verify that the spam was delivered to a valid e-mail address and confirm that you saw it. In fact, by responding you are guaranteed the delivery of even more spam from the same sender plus those who were sold your confirmed-valid address. Destroy the spam without responding to anything.
•Never reveal personal details to strangers.