Digital Security

Would you get on the plane knowing that no one else was security-checked?

Security can be a pain and participating in these processes can be burdensome, stressful and expensive but it is there to ensure the collective safety of all individuals. However, unfortunately, when it comes to digital security, individuals are not as ‘savvy’ or informed of the risks (Jacoby, 2014). Digital security relates to a person’s well-being and safety online, technically meaning on the computer or the internet (Gemalto Security to be Free, 2014).

The following YouTube clip is useful for parents to watch, given the large amount of time that young people spend online each day.

Most individuals today consider being safe as surrounding themself with others, locking their doors and keeping treasured items in a safe place. However, when it comes to being safe online these things are not available. Instead, one protects themself by remembering not to share all their personal information such as their whereabouts and phone numbers (Jacoby, 2014).

With the increase of digital technologies in today’s society, there are obvious benefits but there are also security implications to consider, which include risks to individual identities (Marsh, 2010). The following YouTube clip demonstrates some of the risks to individuals but also tips for all to increase their awareness of digital security and protect their digital identity.

Digital security is not something to be taken lightly and at times can be overwhelming to the user. This highlights the importance of educators in today’s society teaching learners about digital security to ensure their digital identity and personal safety. As educators, it is important to help individuals understand how to feel physically safe using digital technology (Marsh, 2010).

It is crucial that teachers in conjunction with parents guide students on the importance of digital security in the contemporary globalised society.  To highlight this issue in the classroom environment, a simple search of the internet on family friends or teenage siblings, can demonstrate the prevalence of one’s digital footprint and the availability and access to personal information.

 

REFERENCES

Gemalto Security to be Free. (2014). Retrieved from https://www.gemalto.com/companyinfo/digital_security_markets.html

Jacoby, A. (2014). Digital Security: Why Do So Many Still Say “No”? Retrieved from http://recode.net/2014/04/18/digital-security-why-do-so-many-still-say-no/

kasperskylabce. (2010, February 4). Video Podcast: computer security for teenagers – Safer Internet Day 2010 [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uFTg4FAIME

Marsh, C. (2010). Becoming a teacher (5^th ed.). French’s Forest: Pearson.

mysecurecyberspace. (2012, June 12). Think times: Teens and Social Networks [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TWHsiMYSxw