Map Web Servers

When you use a map service, or any internet service, or just read a plain page such as this, you might get more than just adverts: you potentially expose yourself & your data. Accessing any web page, even without Java, cookies, or any other tricks, tells a web page owner your are active, & so if they're feeling intrusive, malicious, inquisitive, they could run a `security scan' on you, without you knowing it, if only to see how well your firewall stops them. Yes, I could have done that too. No, _I_ didn't, but some people & companies could. Not all humans are nice.

What could "They" do with data they harvest from us ?

• If you're using Microsoft's OS & Browser
  You're presumably at greater risk when you visit Microsoft controlled sites: They don't publish their source code for public scrutiny, so independent experts can't check what the interaction is, what information may flow.

  • Article "Windows 98 Knows Who You Are By David Methvin, Richard Smith September 6, 1999" published by Byte magazine ( Truncated version here , full version here )
  • Richard Smith, President of Phar Lap Software found interesting info hidden in Microsoft format docs. (I recall the complete edit record - so recipients could find previous different prices in earlier draft commercial offers etc! ) A web search shows other secrets too. Why trust a monopolist ? ( I heard Microsoft fixed their Word after being exposed, I don't know, I don't use their viral (*) products or formats ("viral"*: ie susceptible to viruses, & also as a proprietary monopolist format: a viral attack in the wider sense of the word, to try to marginalise non MS users & discourage use of free software. ).
• Remember if you'r on a LAN, or using DSL with an ethernet card, the ethernet has a unique MAC address, which was also perhaps on the outside of the box, when the bar code reader swiped it for `stock control purposes' while you paid by credit card - with address implicit. - Who knows how far That info gets aggregated across multiple sales over time, to analyse purchase trends etc, & who might purchase such info, or companies having the info.
• Remember the identification naming info XP requires you type in when you install it ? & Your licence ID number ?
• Consider the environment & language preferences etc information your browser gives any web server.
• All net computer have an IP number, that can usually be reversed to a network domain name. The IP number can also be checked against IP number maps for probable provider name.
• Traceroute can be used to see physically where you're routing through.
• Long URLs can contain disguised & compressed street names, useful for tracking repeat requests from different clients. Map providers could take your initial address, then focus on your repeated zoom clicks plus those of others, (on a statistically averaged basis to avoid jitter), then use that to confirm & enhance their street name database. "Fine, produces better maps." you may think. I agree. A shame though if something like that gave a Monopolist any further advantage to leverage their monopoly though.