Online file-converting services pose significant risks, including identity theft and potential legal issues related to document misuse. Users are advised to exercise caution by verifying the legitimacy of conversion sites, checking for HTTPS security, and ensuring the site's URL matches its reviews. The discussion highlights the dangers of uploading sensitive documents, as they may be stored in the cloud and accessed by unauthorized individuals. Participants emphasize the importance of protecting personal information when using these services.
PREREQUISITESIndividuals concerned about online privacy, cybersecurity professionals, and anyone using online file conversion services.
I think that's an overstatement: there are online conversion sites that are secure enough for almost all purposes. Look for sites that have been registered for a long time (check reviews, and that the site's URL exactly matches the review), and also the location of their owners.jedishrfu said:Any online conversion site is fraught with danger.
That seems to be happening with the 23andMe company (DNA evaluation).jedishrfu said:Occasionally, a website might go under, and someone else might take over the URL
You don't even need that; an MITM (Man in the Middle) attack is enough. Check the spelling , make sure it's an https, check the padlock to verify the certificates, maybe do a Whois check to see if they domain is legit and matches that of the company it purports to be.jedishrfu said:Yes, of course, you are right. My concern was with giving away personal information and not knowing whether that was a good idea or not.
Occasionally, a website might go under, and someone else might take over the URL and mimic it. How often that happens is anyone's guess.
Agree! Online conversion sites are super risky. Once you upload, docs get saved in the cloud, and it's way too easy for someone to steal your info.jedishrfu said:Any online conversion site is fraught with danger. Imagine asking a site to convert some important but damaged document like a home title and then someone filing a claim to the property using a copy of the document.
Or identifying information is gleaned from the document and used in an identity theft scheme.
Or a black mail scheme when someone claims you're trying to convert a copyrighted document.
True, I'm embarrased to admit I had assumed the files would be hashed before submitting, but I realize now that you brought it up that it makes no sense, as you wouldn't be able to convert it , and obviously not de-hash the file if you did. Duh myself.Miranda said:Agree! Online conversion sites are super risky. Once you upload, docs get saved in the cloud, and it's way too easy for someone to steal your info.