I logged out March 10, 2010.

Given that Facebook recently announced they would listen in using microphones to find out what you’re listening to or watching on TV, and that they recently had a debacle when the public found out they’d been running psych experiments on their users. -Angela Alcorn

Google Images

"When I was in college, the main campus library had several computers set up on the first floor for public use, and invariably, whenever I used one, a previous user had not logged out of her Gmail account. So when I tried to load my account, I would instead find myself staring at the entire contents of someone else’s inbox. Of course, I would then log that person out and sign myself in—but those brief moments when I had complete access to another person’s email were terrifying nonetheless. How could people be so careless with something as valuable as their email account?" -Josephine Wolff

VPN = Private Internet Access (PIA)

Top 7 Reasons That I Prefer PIA

Simple to use interface. Not a computer/smartphone resource hog while it runs in the background. Does not store log files of your internet activity, ever. Inexpensive yearly cost. Can be used on 5 of your devices simultaneously (eg: PCs, laptops, smartphones & tablets). Encrypted WiFi. Unlimited bandwidth (over 5 devices). Of course there are many other features that are useful but you can read through those on Private Internet Access' website.

Unsecured Public WiFi Connections

Whether you travel a lot or just prefer using public WiFi, you should definitely consider using Private Internet Access to secure your connection. Who should consider adding strong public WiFi security encryption layers to protect your privacy and data? That's an excellent question and the short answer is, "YOU". Do you perform any of the following activities while using an unsecured public WiFi access point (eg: cafe, library, bookstore, airport or hotel)? Check email. Login to social network websites (eg: Twitter, Facebook, Google+ or Pinterest). Share sensitive data. Login to banking or credit card accounts. Login to apps on your smartphone to watch programs/movies via; Netflix, Hulu+, M-Go, VuDu, Crackle, etc. If you answered, "Yes" to one or more of above then you should sign-up without further delay to enjoy all the same benefits that I do.

Low Cost Peace Of Mind For 5 Devices

I recommend paying for the $39.95 yearly subscription because then you'll receive the lowest price possible. Now, if you take the $3.33/month cost a step further and divide that by 5 devices, it's a mere $0.67/device each month. If you're not 100% convinced, then sign-up for a month initially ($6.95).  You can always pay the yearly subscription after your 30 day test drive.

Computer Settings Once PIA is Installed

Smartphone App Settings

Watching Netflix With PIA App Loaded via 4GLTE

Click on image to enlarge.

As we mentioned, the way this data collection works is that it compares your online data with offline shopping habits. So, the easiest solution to keep it from happening? Don't use the same phone number or email address on your Facebook account as you do when you sign up for loyalty or discount cards. -Thorin Klosowski

I'm lurking in the shadows, tracking your movement.

Our clients were huge companies and one of the services we offered was to collect information about people, their demographics, income, and habits, and then roll it up so they could get a complete picture about who you are and how to convince you to buy their products. In some cases, we designed web sites and campaigns to convince you to provide even more information in exchange for a coupon, discount, or the simple promise of other of those. It works very, very well. -Alan Henry