Mobile and general online security has been a concern for many. This post points out two great resources for online and mobile security.
1. The Federal Trade Commission put together this
Smartphone Security Checker to help people ensure their own mobile safety. This tool will allow you to select your mobile operating system, then pull up a list of ten detailed safety tips and tricks. The available operating systems are Android, Apple iOS, BlackBerry, and Windows Phone.
How libraries can use this tool:
- Incorporate the tool into one-on-one device training sessions.
- Provide a printed handout at the reference desk
- Train staff to practice using the tool with different operating systems to better assist patrons in the future
- Update library devices to use some of these security measures
- Update your personal device safety measures
2. The Federal Trade Commission also put together a great tool to
Recover from Identity Theft. Unfortunately, identity theft is now relatively commonplace. In some cases the theft extends to only credit card information and can be remedied by calling the bank, cancelling the card, and trying to reverse any charges that may have gone through.
In other cases, the identity thief may have gotten hold of social security numbers. If the thief was able to use the information, the victim may have a bigger problem.
This tool works sort of like a reference interview. The system asks a series of questions to find out what happened and learn more about the context of the situation, then connects the user with appropriate resources. The tool is designed to build a customized plan to recover from various degrees of identity theft or compromised information.
How libraries can use this tool:
People have a tendency to seek information only when they have an immediate information need. This is one tool we hope nobody ever needs. However, it can be helpful to have a brochure available at the reference desk to let people know the tool exists. Victims of identity theft can be in a vulnerable place and may not always know the right questions to ask in the moment.
This is also a good tool to bring up during device training, computer and internet use assistance, and other technology training. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to identity theft.
Hopefully these tools come in handy in your library. In the case of identify theft, hopefully nobody ever has a need!
Mobile and general online security has been a concern for many. This post points out two great resources for online and mobile security.
1. The Federal Trade Commission put together this Smartphone Security Checker to help people ensure their own mobile safety. This tool will allow you to select your mobile operating system, then pull up a list of ten detailed safety tips and tricks. The available operating systems are Android, Apple iOS, BlackBerry, and Windows Phone.
How libraries can use this tool:
People have a tendency to seek information only when they have an immediate information need. This is one tool we hope nobody ever needs. However, it can be helpful to have a brochure available at the reference desk to let people know the tool exists. Victims of identity theft can be in a vulnerable place and may not always know the right questions to ask in the moment.
This is also a good tool to bring up during device training, computer and internet use assistance, and other technology training. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to identity theft.
Hopefully these tools come in handy in your library. In the case of identify theft, hopefully nobody ever has a need! 
