The discussion centers around the risks associated with using online file-converting services, particularly regarding security and privacy concerns. Participants explore potential dangers such as identity theft, unauthorized claims, and the implications of uploading sensitive documents to these platforms.
Participants generally agree that there are significant risks associated with online conversion sites, but there is disagreement on the extent of these risks and the security of certain sites. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the overall safety of using these services.
Limitations include varying definitions of security, differing levels of trust in online services, and the lack of consensus on the frequency of website takeovers or the effectiveness of security measures.
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.