Digital Smarts Blog

Fingerprinting has become a standard method of authenticating your identity, being that no two fingerprints are exactly alike. As it turns out, researchers at New York University and Michigan State University have recently found they are hardly foolproof. The team has developed a set of fake fingerprints that are digital composites of common features found in many people’s fingerprints. Through computer simulations, they were able to achieve matches 65 percent of the time, though they imagine the scheme might not be as successful in real life. Still, it is another link in the reasoning behind more two- step authentication methods for accessing information that many companies are promoting.

Fingerprinting has become a standard method of authenticating your identity, being that no two fingerprints are exactly alike. As it turns out, researchers at New York University and Michigan State University have recently found they are hardly foolproof. The team has developed a set of fake fingerprints that are digital composites of common features found in many people’s fingerprints. Through computer simulations, they were able to achieve matches 65 percent of the time, though they imagine the scheme might not be as successful in real life. Still, it is another link in the reasoning behind more two- step authentication methods for accessing information that many companies are promoting.

According to a study by CBT Nuggets, those who call themselves tech-saavy and who have high levels of education are more likely to be victims of identity theft. "Knowing about cybersecurity, understanding the risks, yet thinking that your tech smarts are enough is a recipe for a security disaster," writes Sue Marquette Poremba in a blog post. It turns out that people, including kids, do not use what they have learned about staying safe online for reasons cited as being too lazy, not wanting to be inconvenienced, or just not caring.

According to a study by CBT Nuggets, those who call themselves tech-saavy and who have high levels of education are more likely to be victims of identity theft. "Knowing about cybersecurity, understanding the risks, yet thinking that your tech smarts are enough is a recipe for a security disaster," writes Sue Marquette Poremba in a blog post. It turns out that people, including kids, do not use what they have learned about staying safe online for reasons cited as being too lazy, not wanting to be inconvenienced, or just not caring.

An agreement between Amazon and the Federal Trade Commission has set the stage for $70 million to be refunded to parents and other adults whose minor children made in-app purchases without the knowledge of the parents. These affected Amazon customers will receive the funds back by direct deposit to their debit or credit card, or via paper checks.

An agreement between Amazon and the Federal Trade Commission has set the stage for $70 million to be refunded to parents and other adults whose minor children made in-app purchases without the knowledge of the parents. These affected Amazon customers will receive the funds back by direct deposit to their debit or credit card, or via paper checks.

Do you have a new neighbor or do you have neighbors that you really don’t know? Whether you are concerned about the safety of your children, or just a little nosy, there are many safe and legal ways to do your own research. Take a look at Kim Komando’s USA Today column entitled 3 ways to check on your neighbors online for a variety of simple methods to find public information, no private eye required. While you are checking, you may be curious to search yourself and see what your neighbors can find out about you!

Do you have a new neighbor or do you have neighbors that you really don’t know? Whether you are concerned about the safety of your children, or just a little nosy, there are many safe and legal ways to do your own research. Take a look at Kim Komando’s USA Today column entitled 3 ways to check on your neighbors online for a variety of simple methods to find public information, no private eye required. While you are checking, you may be curious to search yourself and see what your neighbors can find out about you!

A newly updated list of resources on cyberbullying and digital safety is available on the web site of the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction for the State of Washington. A wide range of topics is included such as sexting, cyberbullying and family background resources.

A newly updated list of resources on cyberbullying and digital safety is available on the web site of the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction for the State of Washington. A wide range of topics is included such as sexting, cyberbullying and family background resources.

Officials in England are discussing a program in which data from the Facebook accounts of students and their parents could be used to predict a drop in academic performance. Officials say their review would be restricted to open online forums of individuals and groups on social media. While many feel this could be a useful tool in preventing problems before they start, there is always the concern of invasion of privacy.

Officials in England are discussing a program in which data from the Facebook accounts of students and their parents could be used to predict a drop in academic performance. Officials say their review would be restricted to open online forums of individuals and groups on social media. While many feel this could be a useful tool in preventing problems before they start, there is always the concern of invasion of privacy.

You probably already know that there are both federal and state laws in place for adults who engage in sexting with minors, but did you know that many states have adopted sexting laws that address sexting between teens? A recent article reviews the specifics of teen sexting laws, including a break down by state so you can see the specific law that applies to you. It’s a good idea to review with your teen so they understand the laws and what the legal consequences are if they do not follow them.  

You probably already know that there are both federal and state laws in place for adults who engage in sexting with minors, but did you know that many states have adopted sexting laws that address sexting between teens? A recent article reviews the specifics of teen sexting laws, including a break down by state so you can see the specific law that applies to you. It’s a good idea to review with your teen so they understand the laws and what the legal consequences are if they do not follow them.  

Do you ever feel like your entire life is in your phone? It is that very reason that many foreign governments may want you to turn over your passwords to get into your digital devices, including your cellphone. Legally, in the United States, citizens are not required to unlock their cellphones or share their passwords with US government officials, but rules may vary depending on where you are traveling to and from. Not to mention any stopping by a government official could be inconvenient and even intimidating.

What can you do to protect yourself? Take a look at these tips for safeguarding your cellphones, tablets and computers from invasive searches, all while remaining honest, that are part of an article from The New York Times Technology Editors.

Do you ever feel like your entire life is in your phone? It is that very reason that many foreign governments may want you to turn over your passwords to get into your digital devices, including your cellphone. Legally, in the United States, citizens are not required to unlock their cellphones or share their passwords with US government officials, but rules may vary depending on where you are traveling to and from. Not to mention any stopping by a government official could be inconvenient and even intimidating.

What can you do to protect yourself? Take a look at these tips for safeguarding your cellphones, tablets and computers from invasive searches, all while remaining honest, that are part of an article from The New York Times Technology Editors.

One of Facebook's new tools, Town Hall, allows you to find out who your local, state, and federal representatives are. You can get to it by visiting facebook.com/townhall, or on a desktop, you will find it under the "Explore" section of your News Feed , and on mobile devices you will find it in the menu of the Facebook app. You will need to submit your address — which Facebook says it will use only for civic engagement tools, not for advertising purposes — to get full information on your representatives. From there, you can contact your elected representatives directly with a single click, by calling the first number listed on the official's Facebook page (if you're on the social network's mobile app), or by sending an email or a Facebook message. The ability to contact to your political representatives will also be integrated into the News Feed, according to Facebook. When you like or comment on a post that has been published by an elected official you follow, you will also be given the option to contact that representative directly.

One of Facebook's new tools, Town Hall, allows you to find out who your local, state, and federal representatives are. You can get to it by visiting facebook.com/townhall, or on a desktop, you will find it under the "Explore" section of your News Feed , and on mobile devices you will find it in the menu of the Facebook app. You will need to submit your address — which Facebook says it will use only for civic engagement tools, not for advertising purposes — to get full information on your representatives. From there, you can contact your elected representatives directly with a single click, by calling the first number listed on the official's Facebook page (if you're on the social network's mobile app), or by sending an email or a Facebook message. The ability to contact to your political representatives will also be integrated into the News Feed, according to Facebook. When you like or comment on a post that has been published by an elected official you follow, you will also be given the option to contact that representative directly.

Ever wonder about the underlying motivation of a site – satire, conspiracy, rumor mill, fake news – but do not know where to check your suspicions? Take a look at this Google Doc entitled False, Misleading, Clickbait-y, and Satirical “News” Sources from Melissa Zimdars, an Assistant Professor of Communication & Media at Merrimack College, for a tremendous alphabetical list of suspect sites and the clones of some reputable sites that are trying to disguise themselves as legitimate. It is a good place to start for checking out any gut feelings you have about a site that you or your children have found.

Ever wonder about the underlying motivation of a site – satire, conspiracy, rumor mill, fake news – but do not know where to check your suspicions? Take a look at this Google Doc entitled False, Misleading, Clickbait-y, and Satirical “News” Sources from Melissa Zimdars, an Assistant Professor of Communication & Media at Merrimack College, for a tremendous alphabetical list of suspect sites and the clones of some reputable sites that are trying to disguise themselves as legitimate. It is a good place to start for checking out any gut feelings you have about a site that you or your children have found.