Proxy Servers Might Be Caching Your Site
Proxy servers, operated by search engines like AltaVista, have been storing cached versions of many Web sites, like this one:
http://world.altavista.com/urltrurl?lp=en_en&trurl=http://www.webmaster-forums.net
Does this mean that Alta Vista is collecting login information from these cached versions? Or are they collecting affiliate links? Is this casuse for alarm?
There is a full discussion of the problem at this site:
mairving posted this at 13:37 — 18th February 2005.
They have: 2,256 posts
Joined: Feb 2001
I don't think that it is some kind of evil plot. Proxy servers cache pages for several reasons. A search engine like Google caches pages to make them available so that there is always something to click on. ISP's also use caching proxy servers. Most do it to "speed up" their dialup connection.
I don't know how they would obtained login or affiliate information from a cached copy. After all if one could obtain login info from your cache, you could use your browser cache.
Mark Irving
I have a mind like a steel trap; it is rusty and illegal in 47 states
rtroxel posted this at 15:32 — 24th February 2005.
He has: 286 posts
Joined: Mar 2003
Probably not. I just get suspicious sometimes.
I don't think they can do it directly, but the more information they have about a high-profile site, especially if data is entered there regularly, the easier it is for them to enter it.
Wow, I'm paranoid today
Want to join the discussion? Create an account or log in if you already have one. Joining is fast, free and painless! We’ll even whisk you back here when you’ve finished.