After the Digital Self-Defense for Security class, I have noticed how the content of the class may have affected my subconscious as I switched out my daily routine when using digital devices. I have taken a closer look at my current habits that was offputting. Leaving my desktop on sleep mode without a passcode at work can compromise the conversations that I leave on my slack account or e-mails, could easily cost me my job! and even something as simple as accessing bank information through mobile phone in public.
Some key takeaways:
Security vs. convenience. It’s hard to believe that we live in a time where it’s okay that we surrender our private lives and be ok with a semi-private internet. There are many ways that we can prioritize privacy can and benefit from it in the long term. There are minimal precautions that I think should be non-negotiable especially when a potential security attack takes place, and it would be hard to reverse the damage.
A basic risk assessment is healthy. As a married woman, who tries to manage a good work/life balance, I highly depend on digital apps to check off my tasks efficiently. And for the past years, identity theft would be the most painful security compromise I have experienced. I would say the best investment I could get is using a password manager for both convenience and safety, and the physical precaution of being conscious of where to use our credit/debit cards;
Algorithmic Bias. I’ve always been concerned about how algorithmic bias can only get worse in the hiring sector, where a resume running on AI models, and a simple review of Social Media accounts of an individual becomes an important requirement in getting a job is the most ridiculous example I could think of. It’s definitely a must to control the settings of our personal information which is something that I have considered even before class.
Since the class:
- I have deployed chrome extension tools such as HTTPS Everywhere. It’s very helpful every time I see the words “Not Secure” near the favicon.
- Have turned off notifications on my phone when locked. This didn’t seem to bother me at all, as it freed me from getting updated 24/7. Not only brownie points for security, but also sanity
- I tried turning off my locator, but this one is the hardest to maintain. Just the evening after class, as I needed it for Waze to get home and avoid traffic. I’d say it’s the best.
Next Steps:
- I am interested in setting up a VPN.
- I will defnitely dig deeper and get into TOR! Duck Duck Go was difficult and sadly I had to leave after 3 months on my mobile phone.
- I’d like to conduct a service design tool to visualize the basic security measures I’ve learned in class that any type of users must at least consider doing.
Happy Path Journeys 