By: Maxwell Bruns ~Staff Writer~
October is Cyber Security Month, and Technology Services is working to make sure students stay informed about the possible dangers on the Internet.
“It’s getting way too easy to steal someone’s identity nowadays,” Information Security Administrator James Miller said.
The program aims to emphasize that any information students share on the Web has the potential to be accessed by hackers or online stalkers.
Students have a responsibility to protect their information by conducting their Web behavior in a safe way.
Miller talked about how the reality is that students just don’t understand the implications of an unsecure Web presence anymore, especially with apps like Snapchat.
“It goes away from your screen, and the rest of the world has control of it,” Miller said.
The Cyber Security Month activities are mainly geared towards student awareness.
“The new generation has so much capability to share, but it’s so much easier for criminals to steal as a result,” Miller said. “Think about Facebook. You don’t know all of your friends. Anyone with access to your profile could see anything about you, from your address to your phone number. While people might not share this much, sharing any of this information leaves room for risk.”
The program also takes potential employers into account. It has become more common for employers to check Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or any other platform where a potential employee can post personal content.
“Nothing you post can ever be permanently deleted, so think twice before posting something,” Miller said. “Employers will see it.”
Cyber Security Month will provide students with the opportunity to measure their current Internet safety habits.
There will be a table set up in the lobby to the cafeteria in Bishop Fenwick Place where students can take a cyber security quiz on Oct. 17 and 29. Anyone who takes the quiz will be entered for two chances to win an Amazon gift card. The quiz is also available on the Technology Services webpage.
Themed posters will be hanging up around campus to remind students to protect passwords, mobile devices and social media accounts.
There will also be an industrial shredder outside Cintas where students can bring and shred anything for free.
“Even physical documentation of personal information is liable for serious risk,” Miller said. “Security is a makeup of people, process, and technology, and if any of those fail, information can get out.”