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Online Privacy and Security Toolkit

A guide to developing good privacy and security practices online. Adapted from UW-Bothell, Nicole Gustavsen and Myra Waddell.

Image of a lock that links to https://chooseprivacyeveryday.org/

 

Click the lock to learn how to Choose Privacy Everyday!

https://chooseprivacyeveryday.org/

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Protect Yourself Online

Data breaches, privacy violations, and hacks are a part of our reality. As our lives are increasingly lived more fully online, and as technology advances at a dizzying pace, it is imperative that we understand how to protect ourselves, our data, and our reputations online.

This guide will provide sound information and concrete steps you can take to protect and control your online identity:

  • Basics of staying safe online, including some simple tips everyone should follow, guides to secure different types and brands of devices, and what to do if you find you've been hacked or your identity has been stolen
  • Learn about how you're being tracked online, what data is being collected about you, and how you can limit this tracking and collection
  • All about passwords! Learn how to choose secure passwords, use a password protection service, and test the strength of your passwords
  • Social Media: how to lock your accounts down, take control of the data you provide each network, and give your online presence a professional makeover.
  • Advanced security tools such as encryption services, Virtual Private Networks, Tor browsers, and other apps and services
  • You have legal rights related to online privacy and security in the United States! Learn about them here

 

Campus Privacy Policies

Privacy is essential to the exercise of free speech, free thought, and free association. The courts have established a First Amendment right to receive information in a publicly funded library system like JMU's. In a library, the right to privacy is the right to open inquiry without having the subject of one's interests put them at risk for harm.

Privacy Rights of Students in the U.S.