This being National Cyber Security Awareness Month, we might ask how secure young people are feeling online. According to two just-released studies, not so much. But there's some light in there, so stay with me. A Microsoft survey of 13-17 year-olds in 14 countries found that 43% had experienced unwelcome contact at some point. The study also surveyed adults and found that 58% of young people … [Read more...] about Youth cybersecurity concerns & what will reduce them: Research
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Of student digital privacy & schools demanding passwords
For Data Privacy Day (1/28), let's take a look at students' data privacy – as in the data on their cellphones and whether school administrators have the right to search the devices. The ACLU says they don't. It called out a school board in Tennessee for violating the constitutional rights of students by implementing a policy that allows school officials to search digital devices kids bring to … [Read more...] about Of student digital privacy & schools demanding passwords
So-called Snapchat hack & the question of where to place trust
It's interesting to see headlines like "Snapchat photo leak shows users' mistake was trusting each other." That was the takeaway from a commentator in the Los Angeles Times. But the real takeaway should be: Don't trust unauthorized third-party apps that claim to enhance or add convenience to your social media apps. At least, if you really want to use one, look into how it works and what it does … [Read more...] about So-called Snapchat hack & the question of where to place trust
Cybersecurity in social studies class
Cybersecurity is in the news more and more. It's a growing concern for law enforcement, and US companies are "increasing both the size and budget of their security teams," CNBC reports. "By the end of 2014, JPMorgan's annual cybersecurity budget will rise to $250 million from $200 million in 2012 … and the largest U.S. bank will have about 1,000 people focused on cybersecurity, compared with 600 … [Read more...] about Cybersecurity in social studies class
The Snapchat New Year’s hack: Fuel for discussion
The hack against Snapchat at the turn of the year appears to have done more awareness-raising than harm, but awareness – on the part of users and their parents as well as startups and young digital media companies – is crucial. The publishing of the screennames and partial phone numbers of 4.6 million users was a "white hat" hack, CNN reported, meaning that it was meant to expose a security … [Read more...] about The Snapchat New Year’s hack: Fuel for discussion