When you log in to the MyPack Portal, bank or shop online, share content via social media, or simply send a text, you leave behind digital snapshots — or selfies — of your online profile.

Beware. Cyber criminals can use your digital trail to steal your identity. And with it, they can do anything you can do. With that in mind, take a moment to reflect on your data security habits.

Are you using strong passphrases, two-factor authentication and malware protection? Do you update your apps and software regularly? If you answered yes, you get the picture, but there is still more that you MUST do.

In celebration of Data Privacy Month, Jan. 28 to Feb. 28, the Office of Information Technology (OIT) will sponsor “Protect the Pack! Protect Your Selfie!” to empower you with tools and the knowledge necessary to protect your privacy and control your digital footprint. Sponsored by the National Cyber Security Alliance, Data Privacy Month also stresses the protection of privacy and data as everyone’s priority.

During Data Privacy Month, OIT will sponsor the following activities to help you secure your digital assets:

• iOS Mobile Device Security
  Noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 7
  Room 106, Avent Ferry Technology Center
  At their core, Apple mobile devices are generally designed with the best security available, but there are simple security measures you must enable to protect your personal and valuable data. OIT’s Apple Support Specialist Everette Allen will show you how to use a screen lock passcode, encrypt and back up your data, locate your device if it’s lost, and much more.Light refreshments will be served and you will have the opportunity to win great prizes. Registration is required.

• Love Your Selfie: Use Social Media Securely
  Noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 13
  Room 126, Washington Sankofa
  In the social media realm, “Love Your Selfie” is about securing what matters most to you online — your personal identifiable information, your photos, accounts, content, and even your connected devices!As you share data on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, and LinkedIn, don’t leave yourself vulnerable to phishing, malicious apps and insecure account settings. It’s critical that you learn how to protect yourself, your friends and even your co-workers from falling victim.

  Nick Love, the new director of Social Media Strategy Hub in NC State’s University Communications, knows how to secure you socially. With more than 10 years of professional communications and marketing experience, he’s been building secure social media operations and marketing for institutional brands like Ohio State University, the University of Chicago and ESPN.

  On Feb. 13, Love will deliver the Data Privacy Month keynote, “Love Your Selfie: Use Social Media Securely,” and provide tips to secure your social media profile and to recognize potential threats to your personal and professional accounts.

  Join us for light refreshments and the opportunity to win great prizes. Registration is required.

• Wolfpack Way of Life Wellness Fair
  11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Feb. 21
  Talley Student Union State Ballroom.
  Stop by OIT’s table to learn more about 2-factor authentication (2FA) and mobile device security and to get fun giveaways.

• Android Mobile Device Security
  Noon to 1 p.m.  Feb. 27
  Room 106, Avent Ferry Technology Center
  Do you know if your Android is really secure? Have you implemented the right security measures? No worries. Daniel Sink of OIT Security and Compliance will take you through step-by-step recommendations — and requirements if you have a university-owned device — to secure your Android devices. Leave this session with a secure mindset.Light refreshments will be served and you will have the opportunity to win great prizes. Registration is required.

• SANS Securing the Human videos
  From password protecting to encrypting your data, SANS Securing the Human videos offer numerous security measures you can use immediately to protect your data. Take a few minutes to watch ALL of the brief videos — especially Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Data Protection — to learn valuable steps to protect the privacy of all campus constituents. Sign in to Moodle with your Unity ID and password and then click Enroll me to access these brief videos.

For more information, visit NC State’s Data Privacy Month 2018 website. Also, check out the National Cyber Security Alliance’s online streaming event for Data Privacy Day on Thursday, Jan. 25.