Though mobile devices have become integrated into the daily hustle and bustle, students make common mistakes that can threaten their physical, online and professional security.
The Office of Information Technology and IT Support Providers around campus have addressed these mistakes and provided security suggestions through the Keep It Safe website.
As part of National Cyber Security Month, this year’s campaign focuses on mobile safety and security, according to Seth Humphrey, manager of OIT Web & Mobile Development.
One aspect of online security the campaign addresses is thinking before posting online.
“There are too many details shared that just risk your personal safety,” Humphrey said. “By sharing your current location, details about yourself, you could share too many details where someone could actually commit identity theft posing to be you or a friend of yours.”
Humphrey said everyone has a responsibility to secure his or her mobile device and use it responsibly.
“It’s a matter of your personal information being on that device,” Humphrey said. “If someone could just pick it up and view all your information, you’re at a greater security risk.”
Keeping back-ups and setting up a passcode on a mobile device are some ways the Keep It Safe website encourages mobile security.
Emily Hedrick, junior in public relations, said she “goes back and forth” between having a passcode on her phone and not having one.
“Just out of convenience, it just gets on my nerves,” Hedrick said. “I’m really the only person that has my phone at all times, so I guess I just don’t really think about anybody getting my phone.”
Jordan Lunstead, senior in musical theatre, said he doesn’t have a passcode in place either.
“Honestly, for me, I don’t really have anything on here than anyone could really take or use against me, so I don’t really feel the need for it, I guess,” Lunstead said.
However, both Hedrick and Lunstead keep back-ups of their data, whether on an external hard drive or in cloud storage.
“I think it’s necessary because the amount of times that my phone and computer reset after updates or things like that, and I lose things,” Lunstead said.
Outside of the campaign, the University implements the SANS Securing the Human Program, a series of online cyber security trainings and testing that every employee must take at least once.
Humphrey said the program educates people on cyber security information many don’t know about.
“They’re just not in the IT world, and we’re a very trusting society, so I think that’s the biggest issue,” Humphrey said.
Sonja Humphries, senior in English literature and theatre, has taken the SANS training as a University employee for the Mosaic Music Company.
She said cyber security plays a role as a social media manager for the Company, but alongside safety, online professionalism is also important to consider.
Whether maintaining an organization’s account or a personal account, Humphries said there are levels of appropriateness.
“College is kind of a bubble where we have an idea of what is appropriate that’s maybe different than people outside of that college bubble might consider,” Humphries said.
Melissa Voynich of Student Engagement & Marketing in Office of Professional & Career Development, said recruiters and employers are likely to check social media to find students.
“Social media shows a student’s values and their sense of professionalism in a snapshot, so employers and recruiters can use it as a really quick tool to say ‘no’ or ‘yes,’” Voynich said.
Voynich said one of the best things students can do is talk to a career counselor or their adviser now if they’re questioning their use of social media.
“Don’t wait until you’re a senior and actively, desperately looking to try and fix these things,” Voynich said. “Start now, ask your questions, and then use it wisely and it can be a great asset for you.”
In addition to mobile security and online professionalism, the Keep It Safe website also includes information on shopping safe and injuries related to mobile use. For more information, visit keepitsafe.auburn.edu.
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