Element Nine: Digital Security
Learning Objectives:
After this tutorial, you should be able to:
- Define digital security.
- Evaluate the challenges of using digital technology in
the area of digital security.
- Explain how you can apply the element in an educational setting.
- Define digital security.
- Evaluate the challenges of using digital technology in
the area of digital security.
- Explain how you can apply the element in an educational setting.
What is Digital Security?
Digital security is defined as the electronic precautions to guarantee safety (Ribble, 2015). In today's society, most of our business and exchange of information is conducted electronically. This has caused a rise in identity theft, hacking of servers, and the leaking of top secret information. As Ribble points out in his book, we put locks on our doors, install security systems, smoke alarms to protect ourselves, families, and belongings. It is just as important to protect ourselves digitally since this is where our private and personal information is stored (2015).
Issues with Digital Security
Some of the biggest issues we face with digital security is the failure of firewalls, virus programs, or unsecured networks. However, the flaws are not always with the equipment but with the users. Ribble mentions that we give out passwords without thinking, parents don't always take the time to talk with their kids about how dangerous it can be to talk to strangers online or assume that everyone behind the screen is who they say they are (2015). Hackers are another issue that threatens digital security. Hacking programs can be disguised as professional-looking emails, links for you to click, etc. Even "cloud" programs that store everything from music to sensitive information are vulnerable to attack (Ribble, 2015).
Addressing the Issues
It is imperative that our kids are taught how to keep themselves protected when using digital technology. Parents and educators can teach students to keep their virus and other software programs up-to-date, configure their browsers to block pop-ups, change their passwords often, and not click on unfamiliar links. Students also need to be taught not to give out any personal information and to consider setting up a passcode lock on their devices (Ribble, 2015). Following these simple suggestions will not only protect them, but it can help them become good digital citizens.
NPR Radio Broadcasts
NPR BROADCAST #1
December 7, 2015
At School and At Home, How Much Does the Internet Know About Kids?
7:04
This NPR broadcast discusses how sites like Google are collecting data on our students at both home and school. Many schools use Google Chromebooks in the classroom and a lawsuit that was filed in California states that Google was tracking students and gathering information every time they signed into their Google accounts to use education apps or do research.
References
Ribble, M. (2015). Digital citizenship in schools: Nine elements all students should know. Eugene, OR: International
Society for Technology in Education.
Society for Technology in Education.