Privacy and Security on the Web: How to Protect Yourself

Posted by Hannah Sinemus on August 23rd, 2013 Posted in: The MAReport
Tags: 2013 Issue 3

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CyberCast

Missy Harvey, Technology and Communication Coordinator

In response to network member requests, in June 2013 I offered our quarterly TechTime webinar on the topic of privacy and security on the web.  The webinar was a great success and attendees asked excellent questions.  But one hour was not enough time to cover all the resources to help our members.  So I’m providing additional helpful websites and tips to help you.

 

General Toolkits / Resources

• Keeping Your Family Safe in a Highly Connected World: http://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/assets/whitepapers/baker-frederick-keeping-family-safe-2011-08-10.pdf

An excellent resource from a highly regarded authoritative source.  The Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT) is responsible for identifying Internet attacks and finding solutions that are then share nationwide.

• Online Guide to Practical Privacy Tools: http://epic.org/privacy/tools.html

A thorough guide from the respected Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) with numerous tools to help every user.

• Digital Tools to Curb Snooping: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/18/technology/personaltech/digital-tools-to-help-curb-online-eavesdropping.html

This New York Times article provides some resources that may not have been discussed elsewhere.

 

Application-Specific Resources

• Malicious Software Poses as Video from Facebook Friends:  http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/08/26/malicious-software-poses-as-video-from-a-facebook-friend/

Attackers are using built-in features in some browsers to install malicious software that can see saved passwords for email and social network accounts.

• Addicted to Apps:  http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/25/sunday-review/addicted-to-apps.html

We cannot rely on the makers of new technology to think about the privacy and moral implications..

• Setting Up Gmail Securely: http://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/07/09/qa-setting-up-gmail-securely/

Google’s two-step verification feature can help make your Gmail account more secure.  But you may need to do a little extra work when setting up a new mail program to send and receive Gmail messages.

• Consumer Reports: Facebook Privacy Problems are on the Rise: http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/consumer-reports-facebook-privacy-problems-are-rise-749990

• Signing Out of Facebook: http://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/07/02/qa-signing-out-of-facebook/

If you stay logged into Facebook even when you quit your browser program, and would rather sign out of your account, check your settings.

• The Limits of Facebook’s Search Tool: http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/07/08/the-limitations-of-facebooks-new-search-tool/

The usefulness of the new tool is constrained by the data people have shared, as well as how the technology analyzes that information.  But Facebook has high hopes for its development.

• How to Tell if Windows 8 is Blocking Tracking When You’re Online: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/08/technology/personaltech/using-do-not-track-options.html

• Avoiding Mobile Malware on Android Systems: http://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/07/08/qa-avoiding-mobile-malware/

Google’s Android system, the dominant mobile operating system, tends to have more problems with malicious software.  But common sense can help avert them.

 

Other Important Information to Help Protect Yourself

• Smishing: A Serious Identity Theft Scheme: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/smishing-serious-identity-theft-scheme-110046141.html

This is a scheme that involves sending consumers text messages containing a link to a fraudulent website or a phone number in an attempt to collect personal information.

• Under Code of Conduct, Apps Would Disclose Collection of Data:  http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/26/technology/under-code-apps-would-disclose-collection-of-data.html

• Banks Seen as Aid in Fraud Against Seniors: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/11/business/fraud-against-seniors-often-is-routed-through-banks.html

Federal authorities and consumer lawyers say banks play a key role in giving questionable Internet merchants access to the financial system, enabling them to prey on consumers.

• Report Cites Increasing Cyberattacks Against Universities: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/17/education/barrage-of-cyberattacks-challenges-campus-culture.html

American research universities are coming under increasing cyberattacks, most likely from China, forcing them to step up security.  The article cites institutions facing as many as 100,000 hacking attempts a day, and quotes an EDUCAUSE official saying that the attacks  have “outpaced our ability to respond.”

 

June 2013 TechTime Session

For those who missed our last TechTime session, the recording and slides are available:

Privacy and Security on the Web:  How to Protect Yourself

• Recording | Transcript

• Presentation (PDF)

Learn tips to protect yourself, your family, and your library users in our highly connected world.  Topics included:

• What you need to know about your personal information on the Web
• How others get information about your online activities
• How to protect yourself from phishing emails and scams
• How to manage your online reputation
• What to do if your online privacy is compromised
• Risks of cloud computing