Online Privacy & Security: Webinar (09/26/17)

The Fear, the Hype, and What You Can Do about It

If you read today’s headlines about security breaches, you might be thinking of going back to fax machines and snail mail. Or you might be assuming that privacy is dead and we may as well get used to it (and you have nothing to hide, right?)

While there is no such thing as foolproof security and privacy, there is a middle ground that you can find by understanding and using particular techniques. We are in a world where mobile technologies are everywhere and we need to use them to be productive and to enjoy creative activities.

We’ll discuss answers to these questions:

Security:

Is your laptop or smartphone’s traffic being harvested when on public wi-fi?
What’s the best thing to do if your device is lost or stolen?
Is your data safely backed up?
Should you trust a password manager?
What are the advantages of using Touch ID on iPhones?
Is it a good idea to use mobile payment systems in retail stores?
Can criminals hold your data captive and ask for ransom?
How can you make theft of your identity less likely?

Privacy:

Is your laptop camera or microphone recording without you knowing it?
Are you giving away information for targeted advertising?
How easy is it for anyone to see all of your search engine history?
How is your location data being used?
Do privacy policies mean anything? Are they worth reading?
Should you use encrypted messaging and email? How?

For each question we’ll look at media hype compared to expert opinions and show what you can do do protect yourself. We’ll look at statistics on the likelihood of each bad thing that might happen. You’ll come away with resources for learning more, so you can take reasonable steps to protect your privacy and security.

Virtual Trainer: Nicole Hennig

Nicole Hennig is an independent user-experience professional, helping librarians and educators effectively use mobile technologies.

Nicole’s books include Apps for Librarians: Using the Best Mobile Technology to Educate, Create, and Engage, Selecting and Evaluating the Best Mobile Apps for Library Services, and Best Apps for Academics. She teaches several online courses, including Apps for Librarians & Educators, and Organize Your Life with Mobile Apps.

She worked for the MIT Libraries for 14 years, first as web manager and then as head of the user experience department. She is the winner of several awards, including the MIT Excellence Award for Innovative Solutions.

Nicole loves teaching, presenting, and inspiring people to use technology effectively. To stay current with the best mobile technology for education, sign up for her email newsletter, Mobile Apps News, and follow her on Twitter @nic221, where she tweets about libraries and mobile technologies.

This is an online class. Access information will be emailed one week ahead.

Cost: NEFLIN classes are free of charge for Florida library staff. Registration is required for all classes and NEFLIN members get priority.