We live in an undeniably digital age where we can manage our bank accounts
from our phones, access untold amounts of information through the Internet
and order our groceries online. Even with all these capabilities, technology
continues to advance at an incredible speed, but with all these new changes
come new risks. What can be done to raise awareness about privacy and
online security in this new digital age?
Hacking and security breaches happen all the time, to even the most sophisticated networks, leaking vast amounts of private information for a myriad of purposes. One purpose in particular is financial gain. Even our health records are viable commodities on the black market, worth as much as $500. Given that so much of our personal information is online, it is important to be proactive about security.
Many of us have social media profiles, some of which allow for us to share an extensive amount of personal information. The less you fill out, the better. Not all 200 of your Facebook friends need to know your phone number, birth date, email, and address. Keeping this information private makes you less of a vulnerable target. Using two-factor authentication can also be helpful in locking down not only your social media accounts, but other accounts like your Apple ID. This means that, in addition to your password, you will also need to enter a special code that is sent to your phone when you log in. It may seem like a time consuming extra step, but your security is worth it.
Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP is hosting its 2017 Video PSA Scholarship Contest, inviting students who share our passion about important social issues to participate by submitting an original 30 to 60 second video on the following topics:
- What can college students do to raise awareness about campus safety issues?
- How can we help raise awareness about privacy and online security in the digital age?
- How can we help to raise awareness about Traumatic Brain Injuries and prevention?
- How can young people raise awareness and help prevent human trafficking?
Read the full details of our scholarship contest here.
To learn more about privacy and online security, please visit the Electronic Frontier Foundation.