Yahoo email tracking can pose several dangers to users, including privacy concerns and potential security risks. In this research document, we will discuss these dangers and provide two real-world examples of negative consequences resulting from tracking.
Yahoo Privacy Concerns
One of the main concerns with Yahoo email tracking is the invasion of privacy. Email trackers can embed a tiny 1×1 image (a pixel) into an email, which loads when the recipient opens the email. This allows the sender to see when the email was opened and potentially gather information about the recipient’s online behavior[1]. This type of tracking can be used for targeted advertising, but it can also be exploited by malicious actors to gather sensitive information about users[2].
Yahoo Security Risks
Yahoo has a history of security breaches, with the largest data breach on record occurring in 2013 and 2014, affecting all 3 billion of its user accounts[3]. The breaches exposed user information such as names, email addresses, telephone numbers, security questions and answers, dates of birth, and hashed passwords. In some cases, hackers were able to gain access to accounts using manufactured web cookies to falsify login credentials[3]. These security breaches highlight the potential risks associated with Yahoo email tracking and the vulnerability of user information.
Real-World Examples
- Yahoo Data Breaches (2013 and 2014): As mentioned earlier, Yahoo experienced two major data breaches in 2013 and 2014, affecting all 3 billion user accounts[3]. The breaches exposed sensitive user information and highlighted the potential risks associated with Yahoo email tracking. The breaches also raised questions about Yahoo’s ability to protect user data and maintain user privacy.
- Rex Tillerson’s Alias Email Account: In 2017, it was discovered that former Exxon Mobil CEO and U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson used an alias email address to communicate with other Exxon officials about important matters, including climate change risk management[4]. The use of an alias email account raises concerns about transparency and accountability, as well as the potential for misuse of email tracking and other communication tools.
In conclusion, Yahoo email tracking can pose significant dangers to users, including privacy concerns and security risks. The real-world examples of the Yahoo data breaches and Rex Tillerson’s alias email account highlight the potential negative consequences of email tracking. Users should be aware of these risks and take necessary precautions to protect their privacy and security when using Yahoo email services.
Sources:
[1] https://www.yahoo.com/news/stop-people-tracking-whether-youve-opened-email-194421221.html
[2] https://internethealthreport.org/2018/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-sides-of-data-tracking/
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yahoo!_data_breaches
[4] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/rex-tillerson-used-alias-communicate-234532242.html
The Veterans Email Program provides free, full-featured email addresses to active-duty and military veterans of the United States. The Veterans Email Program performs no tracking. Your Veteran Email Address represents the branch in which you served; Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard or Space Force with a .Vet (Veteran) extension.