Week 6 – Cybersecurity

What is cybersecurity? Cybersecurity is the protection of computers and any other type of technology from digital theft, damage, or other disruptions. Cybersecurity also involves how to avoid cyberbullying or any other negative communication via the Internet. Below is a Piktochart with several tips on how to be safe online and avoid any hackers or computer viruses.

I organized this Piktochart with easy to follow tips about how you can better practice cybersecurity and safety when using the Internet. The tips that I included are as follows: keep your software up to date, practice good password management, beware of suspicious emails and phone calls, never leave devices unattended, install anti-virus protection, back up your data, and be careful what you click. While putting these tips into practice cannot insure a 100% chance of complete Internet safety, they will increase your chances of a positive Internet experience, whether it be on your mobile, laptop, or desktop device(s).

In response to the video about Emily and how she was “catfished” online, it was very startling for me to find out that someone so close in proximity to Emily would have stolen so much of her identity. I also think that it is crazy how Caitlin, the girl who created the fake account(s), kept up with her pursuit for two years without being noticed. From Emily’s story, I learned that you should never friend someone on Facebook or any other social media unless you really know them and their intentions in being your friend. Friending people because you see them occasionally or you know them through mutual friends is not a good enough reason to accept their request.

I can keep this story in mind when I’m connecting with other people via social media. I also think it is important to spread the word to my family and friends about how they can safely use social media by only following people who they actually know. Being careful about who has access to your profiles and pictures is very important because, like in Emily’s story, people can easily take your photos and create a fake identity if you leave your social media pages open to public access.

Overall, practicing good cybersecurity and being aware of your social media accounts is very important. Especially as technology continues to evolve, keeping track of all your accounts, devices, and profiles is crucial to keeping your identity safe.