Friday, October 16, 2015

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month

October 12-16, 2015 – Connected Communities: Staying Protected While Always Connected


This month emphasizes the importance of protecting ourselves when connecting to the Internet while on the go. Students, Staff and Faculty need to be aware when using mobile devices and social media. Delgado Community College library encourages everyone to become better digital citizens in our communities.


As a student, you are more than accustomed to using the Internet in your everyday life, but the risks that come with that use could greatly impact you and your future.

 DID YOU KNOW? 

• 95 percent of teens use the Internet.
• 77 percent of teens use Facebook. 
• 53 percent of teens use Instagram. 
• 24 percent of teens use Twitter. 
• 10 percent of teens use Tumblr. 
• The average teen has approximately 300 friends on Facebook and 79 followers on Twitter.  
• Among Twitter users aged 12 to 17, 64 percent made their tweets public. 
• 19 percent of teen users have posted things they regret, including photos, videos, status updates, tweets, or comments. 
• Only 18 percent of young adults claim they are comfortable with what their friends post about them online, and 32 percent say that the information about them online is what they choose for the public to see.

BEWARE OF WHAT YOU POST ONLINE 

No matter what social media platform you use, consider the type of information you choose to share with others. Here are the common cyber risks you may face when using social media: 
• Sharing sensitive information. Sensitive information includes anything that can help a person steal your identity or find you, such as your full name, Social Security number, address, birth date, phone number, or where you were born. 
• Posting questionable content. Remember future employers may look at your social media accounts before hiring you. Questionable content can include pictures, videos, or opinions that may you seem unprofessional or mean and can damage your reputation or future prospects. 
• Tracking your location. Many social media platforms allow you to check in and broadcast your location, or automatically adds your location to photos and posts. 


Information taken from the Official Website of the Department of Homeland Security
For more information please visit their website at: 
http://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Social%20Media%20Guide_0.pdf