JUST because of the insane amounts we spend on our smartphones and PCs, most of us like to think we’re pretty tech-savvy. But being able to use different apps and upload TikTok videos
is way different from knowing how to protect your online identity.
For example, do you use a password manager? Do you use two-factor authorization on Facebook? Do you use a different password for each of your accounts and change it regularly? With everyone now working or studying from home, it is time to learn how to protect your accounts and devices from being hacked and maintain a safe online identity.
Let’s start with Marc Goodman’s “UPDATE” acronym. Goodman is a futurist, book author and founder of the Future Crimes Institute, Global Security Advisor and Chair for Policy and Law at Google and NASA-sponsored Singularity University.
Goodman’s book Future Crimes is a must read for anyone connected to the Internet, and includes the following tips for protecting yourself and your family online:
UPDATE (REGULARLY). There’s a reason for all those updates and that is to prevent hackers from exploiting those bugs in software programs. The most vulnerable are operating system software, apps, browsers, plug-ins and other computer programs.
PASSWORDS. Using “password1234” or your birthday + initials is just like leaving your bag open while on the MRT. Using the same password on all your accounts also makes it an easy target as once hackers get your password they’ll try it on everything else they can connect you to. Use a long mix of symbols, numbers, upper- and lowercase letters — the more difficult for you to remember, the better. Just be sure to write these passwords down and store in a secure place. It’s a pain, yes, but getting your account/s hacked is even more painful. You can also try a password manager if you wish to protect your more sensitive accounts.
DOWNLOAD (ONLY FROM AUTHORIZED SOURCES). Remember that video you just watched teaching you how to sideload apps or maybe those Google services and apps on your phone? You might be surprised by the bonuses you get! Spyware or adware and those additional toolbars and add-ons that change your default search engines are the biggest culprits. Unless you are pretty sure about those sites, it’s best to only download programs and apps from trusted and official sites.
ADMINISTRATOR (SHOULDN’T BE YOUR DEFAULT SETTING). Even if you are the only one using the computer, it would be better to create another account for your day-to-day use (except when you have to install stuff that requires administrator access). If you download something dodgy or have already been compromised, hackers can track, install and change pretty much whatever they like.
TURN (IT OFF). Many of us are guilty of just closing our laptops, or leaving it on sleep mode. But to be safe, it’s better to log off the sites and shut down your computer when you are done for the day or when leaving the house. Shutting down your computer completely while you sleep reduces cyber-crime risk by over 33 percent. It’s also a good idea to disconnect from the WiFi when you are not using it.
ENCRYPT. Windows and Mac both include free programs for full hard disk encryption (Bitlocker and Filevault, respectively). Use a virtual private network (VPN) software especially when on public WiFi networks such as airports, coffee shops and hotels to protect your communications. Set a password on your smartphone as it not only limits access to snooping but gives you an extra layer of privacy and security.
More than just UPDATE, here are some other practical tips you should know.
1. Be careful of unknown e-mail: Yes, you know that e-mail from a surviving member of some African royalty is a scam, but what about those other e-mails with a Dear Sir/Ma’am, offering some job opportunity or collaboration project? If you get an e-mail from a source with an identity you can’t trace, you’re best off just not clicking the link.
2. Cover or turn off the computer’s camera when not in use: Now that online meetings are happening almost everyday, you have to be extra careful about that camera. Its like having an open window to your house. Hackers can take control of digital cameras and take photos. Unless you want to have some “paranormal activity” footage of your room out there, its a good idea to cover your web camera. This also goes for your cellphone and other digital device cameras too.
3. Don’t trust free Wi-Fi: Its best to avoid logging on to it when doing more confidential online transactions. It’s best to just get your own mobile data or one of Smart’s newest Pocket Wifi LTE-A for fast and reliable connection. Never open your private accounts or do banking transactions when renting public computers.
4. Think before you click—and share: There’s a thing called TMI (too much information) and while you may get a lot of likes sharing your new shoes, bags, or travel plans, hackers, burglars and other criminals can use this information that could enable them to bring harm to you or your loved ones. Remember that just because a post got a lot of likes and shares doesn’t mean it’s true. Learn to fact-check because you might just be sharing spam or fake news.
5. Check your privacy settings on your social-media account/s: Because you just keep on clicking OK when you install a new app, you may have inadvertently given all sorts of apps and websites permission to interact with Facebook using your profile. Use Facebook’s Off-Facebook Activity tool to address this situation. It’s a bit of work and time-consuming but it’s worth it.
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FOR better or worse, TikTok was probably the most popular app during this quarantine season for Pinoys, keeping them busy and entertained with all sorts of videos from dubs, lipsyncs, dance moves and challenges which range from cute to cringey.
But it does present a welcome breather from the all the fake news shared on Facebook, the culture wars and clashing opinions on Twitter, and the never-ending bashing on Instagram. TikTok often presents an alternative version of online sharing. Simple, goofy, irreverent and mostly wholesome content, and it’s OK to look silly because everyone else is creating similar content, too.
TikTok has since been used by the government to promote travel (before the pandemic) and even instructional dance videos for Covid-19 prevention. To keep the app safe and wholesome, TikTok recently held a webinar that detailed the safety thrusts of the platform. “Safety is a TikTok priority,” said Donny Eryastha, head of public policy for the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia. He provided viewers with a brief background on the app’s safety policies and features, and the continuing efforts made to ensure the security of their users.
Among these were Screen Time Management where TikTok users can limit their screen time to two hours. Users will be able to select if they want to spend 40, 60, 90, 120 minutes per day on the app. This feature is password-protected; if users reach their screen time limit, they will need to enter a password to continue to use TikTok. Another is Restricted Viewing Mode, an optional account setting that will limit the appearance of content that may not be appropriate for all audiences. This tool, powered by machine learning algorithms, empowers users to take control of the content they watch. Direct Messages, on the other hand, limits who can send messages to the connected account, or turn off direct messaging completely. For example, approved followers can message each other, and images or videos are not allowed to be sent in messages. TikTok also automatically disabled Direct Messages for registered accounts under the age of 16.
In April 2020, TikTok introduced Family Pairing which allows parents and teens to customize their safety settings based on individual needs. It is part of the company’s continued work toward providing parents better ways to guide their teen’s online experience while allowing time to educate about online safety and digital citizenship.
TikTok has one of the most customizable Privacy and Safety settings, offering users the option to decide who can follow them, who can react to their videos, who can send them comments or messages, and who can duet with them. They can block their video from being downloaded, create a block list, filter comments, and ultimately set their account to private.
In January 2020, TikTok released a comprehensive, expanded publication of the Community Guidelines as part of its commitment to a safer space for creative expression. The platform is built to “support our users and their diverse thoughts, experiences, and interests. The goal is to provide tools for users to foster their creativity and enjoy content that’s expressive, authentic, refreshing and sometimes delightfully quirky—all within a supportive community environment.”
Eryastha emphasized that the app’s safety features can be fully realized if content creators and users actively use it, saying, “We encourage our content creators and users to help foster a safer online community. We designed the app with your safety in mind. Our privacy settings enable every user to filter who can view, react, or comment on their posts, as well as to who can duet or download their videos.”
The Internet isn’t always a safe space to be. Abuse from digital predators, cyberbullying, and identity theft are among the dangers that teens and their parents need to be wary of online. And because most teens have their own phones and computers for browsing, it can be difficult for parents to monitor their Internet use, placing them at greater risk compared to smaller children. TikTok has made a commitment to do their part, and provide parents with tools they can use to boost their teens’ safety on the platform.