Kent State’s Information Services hosted a presentation about social media safety on Oct. 14 at the KIVA entitled: “Social Security? Be aware of what you share!”

The presentation included guest speakers Jack Nichelson, a director of IT Infrastructure and Security for Chart Industries, Inc., and Robert Carson, a special agent on the FBI’s cyber squad.

The event focused around informing the public about what information they shouldn’t be sharing—and perhaps already are. The attendees learned about everything from tips to practicing a safe web presence to what to do when an account is hacked or identity is stolen.

Carson started the discussion by explaining cybercrime Statutes and cyber Criminals.

“I can tell you, I’ve actually been subject myself,” Carson said. “Plain and simple, they want your stuff.”

The presenters also related experiences with social networks.

”They’re making money on your information, and that’s the real threat of social media”, Nichelson explained. “Having awareness is how you can prevent yourself from becoming an unintentional threat to your own safety. We need to do more to prevent this.”

The presenters gave tips and interesting stories to help with web safety. Stories such as Sarah Palin’s email leak, a Miss Teen America extortion, and the recent Sony Pictures hack were used as examples for the audience.

Social engineering prevention, preventing information theft from social media, was another key point.

“To take away something from this today,” Nichelson said. “We all have answers to stupid questions protecting our passwords- I do too. But you can take steps. You need to be aware of your surroundings.”

Cameron Gorman is a general assignment reporter for The Kent Stater. Contact her at [email protected].