Our shared responsibility

Posted on: October 15, 2013 | By: Christina Bonds | Filed under: Data & Identity, Info Security

ncsam10_logoThis is the third week of National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) and the theme for this week is Cybersecurity education.  In a world that is constantly faced with information security threats, becoming educated about these threats can help us be more secure while online.  We all have a shared responsibility when it comes to protecting our online presence.  Everyone, regardless of age, can learn tips to help stay safe online.

Here are some tips to help you as you reach out to your family, friends, and colleagues.  This information is also found on the staysafeonline.org website. 

Grades K-2

It is essential that students understand and commit to not sharing personal information with anyone they meet online. Reinforce that children should talk openly with their parents or guardian about what they see online and should always tell them if anyone asks for personal information.  Students must commit to follow the family and school rules about safety on the Internet and when playing online games.

Grades 3-5

It is essential that students understand and commit to not sharing personal information with anyone they meet online. This includes their real name, address, phone number, financial information, school name, passwords, or other private information.

Middle & High School

Students should understand what security tools are available to use on most computers to further protect themselves, their personal information, and their computer from viruses, spyware, and spam.  Students must also understand that they are in charge of their online experience and should manage it the way they would in the real world. If something or someone online makes them feel uncomfortable, they have the right to not respond, delete a post, and most importantly tell a trusted adult.  Students must commit to never meet in person with someone they met online.

Higher Education

Students should understand ways to protect personal information, the importance of keeping a clean machine by applying operating system and apps updates, and understand the risks of public Wi-Fi.

Older Adults

More and more, older adults are online and should also be aware of online threats.  They should know how to avoid fraud when banking and shopping online.  They should also be cautious of emails from people they don’t know.

Will you share online tips and reminders to others this week and beyond?

Next week’s theme:  Cyber Crime

Christina Bonds

Christina Bonds, CISSP, is an Application Developer at Elon University

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