Today’s Digital Technology allows Banks to connect with customers like never before and affords Banks the ability to offer customized solutions in convenient and cost-effective ways. With these enhances in technology comes elevated risk. Banks invest a tremendous amount of resources in protecting the integrity of their customer’s personal information. We are all now Digital Citizens and in addition to the resources the Bank invests in the Consumer plays a critical role in the prevention and detection of fraud on their financial accounts.
There are six important skills that every digital citizen should have. Digital citizenship is a term that’s been discussed quite a bit lately, but what exactly does it mean? It refers to the way in which people use technology and internet resources:
- Security should always be first priority. Keep security in mind when moving about the internet. This means using strong passwords, avoiding suspicious links and websites, and keeping your antivirus software up to date.
- Have a thorough understanding of password protection. In this world, passwords are everything. Which is why password protection is critical. Keep passwords safe including using strong passwords, not sharing passwords with others, not using the same password for multiple accounts, and changing passwords regularly.
- Know how to protect yourself from cyberbullying and harassment online. Cyberbullying attacks can be hard to handle for anyone, but there are steps you can take to fight back and protect yourself.
- Take ownership over your online presence. Make sure that it is content that is accurate and authentic to you as an individual or the organization/company you represent. Be mindful of the content you post and make sure that it reflects well on both you and your employer. That also means being aware of how your actions affect others online – both positively and negatively.
- Recognize when personal information is being collected about you. Be aware of the risks associated with data collection and take steps to protect your privacy.
- Social engineering is the term o+en used for a broad range of malicious activities accomplished through human interactions.
- Understand and practice a healthy online and offline balance. The effects of technology can be detrimental to our physical and mental wellbeing if we’re not careful. Know the risks of spending too much time online, texting and driving, scrolling through social media rather than sleeping, or putting too much stock in what people say about them on the internet.
Digital citizenship skills make all the difference for anyone who is consistently online and are essential for every digital citizen to possess and practice regularly. By practicing these skills, you’ll be able to navigate the online world safely and responsibly. Remember, the internet is a public space, and your actions have consequences. Be mindful of your online presence, protect your privacy, and use technology responsibly.
Read the full VOM Spring 2024 Magazine Here: https://www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine/
