Our current Learning Module has focused on concepts related to computer security. We have been exposed to the concept that everyone leaves a digital footprint when they enter the on-line world. We have read about our digital trail and personal privacy. We have searched for and discovered what information exists about ourselves out on the World Wide Web. We have been exposed to the concepts of collective intelligence and reality mining. So it makes sense for me to finish this learning module by discussing how computer security affects me.
Computer security affects me on some pretty intimate levels. It affects me personally. It affects my college experience. It affects my career life. As part of this learning module we read an article titled "Nine Elements of Digital Citizenship". This article highlighted what constitutes acceptable behavior when using technology. It also pointed out common behaviors that range from impolite to criminal when using the internet or, simply, computers in general. It addressed the concerns that each of us should have when visiting websites and conducting business using computers. For this blog I would like to discuss 3 of the themes discussed in the article. These themes are: digital commerce, digital literacy, and digital law.
Digital Commerce. Digital commerce involves the buying and selling of goods electronically. I, personally, enjoy purchasing items on-line. Some of my favorite websites include eBay and Dillyeo. These sites offer both fun and useful items that I wouldn't be able to purchase anywhere else for the prices offered. I trust these sites because I know the digital information that I provide them will be safe. I have ventured into websites that have proven to be disreputable. Luckily, I was stopped by my internet browser before I was able to enter the site. The following short video offers some advise on protecting your identity and researching sites before you shop on them. It's lighthearted but does get it's point across:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEhqvznSkds&feature=email
Another idea to consider when surfing the net is that there are a huge and growing number of illegal and immoral websites out there designed to lure you into them. They are especially attractive to teen shoppers. Teens tend to be naive and vulnerable when it comes to shopping on line. The following article explains, in detail, what to look for in a bad website and how to avoid having your identity stolen. It also discusses the issues of immoral or illegal websites.The link to it is http://digiteen.wikispaces.com/Digital+Commerce .
Digital Literacy. As a non-traditional student in college I can't help but compare the difference between my college experience of 20+ years ago and now. We live in such an electronic world that the whole style of teaching has changed completely. On-line courses, such as CIS205, were not even a thought back when I was a new college student. These courses allow for such a broad educational experience that their value can't even be measured. Enhancing that experience is an ever growing wealth of technology. Educators not only need to educate, but they also need to stay current on new technologies. The world is moving at an ever quicker pace and students need to be able to learn at this rate. Employers expect the new college graduates to have a high level of information literacy.
This link explains the challenges faced in today's libraries regarding digital literacy:
http://www.library.illinois.edu/diglit/definition.html
Digital Law. Anyone who knows me also knows how proud I am to work at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. I believe in the Institute's mission statement and hope for a cure for cancer in the not-to-distant future. To know that some of the world's most prominent researchers are found at Roswell is a very exciting feeling. These researchers dedicate themselves to their work and do not consider themselves done for the day once they leave their research labs. That is why Roswell supports and encourages encrypted devices to transport medical research data outside of the institute. The security of the research data is never taken lightly. That is why these encrypted devices play such a vital role.
The following link starts off describing a situation in which an unencrypted device, containing personal health records, was stolen from an Ontario, Canada, hospital. It is a perfect example why no medical research or records should be allowed to be saved on unencrypted devices. http://i-sight.com/corporate-security/maintaining-information-security-and-privacy/
Soon New York State will have in place laws requiring any medical data be stored on encrypted devices. I think this is a good law. The wrong information in the wrong hands could have devastating consequences for many people.
I guess I would conclude this blog by reflecting on just how much computer security affects all of us. Security cannot be taken lightly and we all need to be vigilant in our on-line travels to be sure we don't encounter or cause breaches in internet and computer security.
