Stop Think Connect: May 2016 Update

[Valerie Vogel <vvogel () EDUCAUSE EDU>]

In case you do not receive the DHS Stop.Think.Connect. newsletter, here are two items of interest from the May 2016 
update. You are welcome to share this information on your campus. Learn more about Stop.Think.Connect. here: 
https://www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect

  1.  Online tips for recent graduates
  2.  Just announced: NCSAM 2016 weekly themes

ONLINE TIPS FOR RECENT GRADUATES
In the coming weeks, millions of students across the country prepare to wrap up their studies and walk across the 
graduation stage. After investing a tremendous amount of time, money, and hard work in their education, most college 
graduates are now focused on finding a good job and starting their career.

Technology has transformed the way Americans do business, including the job search process. In the past, hard copy 
resumes and in-person interviews primarily drove the decision making process. In today’s world, graduates can apply for 
jobs online or even on their mobile device, have interviews with potential employers via video conference, and even 
connect with their dream company on social media websites. Recent graduates are likely accustomed to using the Internet 
in their everyday life, but the risks that come with that use could greatly impact their career. Making smart online 
decisions now can help you personally and professionally throughout your life.

Managing your online presence and owning your digital identity are key. It’s important to determine how you will 
portray yourself—your personal brand—online as you look for a new job or as you grow in your current one. The 
Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Stop.Think.Connect.™ Campaign offers suggestions for enhancing your online 
presence and avoiding potential embarrassing mistakes and security pitfalls to ensure you can have a smarter, safer 
online experience.

  *   Manage your Online Brand. Have you checked yourself out recently online? Performing a quick search of yourself 
online is important to see what is being posted about you by others on the Internet. Consider setting up email alerts 
for searches on different variations of your name with your school(s), place(s) of employment, and other distinguishing 
details. For your social media accounts, regularly scan to see what pictures and content others are posting about you. 
Make sure to untag yourself from any questionable photos, even if it’s from college or high school, or hide them from 
your profile, if possible.
  *   Set Up Privacy Restrictions. Your online social media network has likely expanded to include managers and 
colleagues who, depending on your privacy settings, may have access to your photos, comments, check-ins, and status 
updates. Take the time to set up the appropriate settings for the various members of your network—keep your personal 
and professional worlds separate by customizing what your best friends see versus what your work and peripheral friends 
see.
  *   Think Twice Before Posting. Your former and future employers are likely on the web to find out more about you. 
What you say and do is visible to others, and cannot be permanently deleted. With newer digital applications, even your 
music preferences are visible to others. Make smart choices and think about how those online decisions might influence 
others’ opinions of you.

It’s important to note that these lessons apply to people of all ages – even high school students who may be applying 
to college, joining the military, or seeking a job. College admissions officers are likely checking an applicant’s 
social media accounts, making it even more important to start managing and improving your online reputation.

If you are a parent, you have an important role in protecting your child’s online reputation. Talk with your kids about 
the importance of thinking about what they post online. You can start the conversation by sharing this blog post with 
them. https://www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect-campaign-blog



JUST ANNOUNCED: NCSAM 2016 WEEKLY THEMES
National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) is just six months away and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) 
is excited to announce the general themes for 2016.

  *   Week 1: October 3-7, 2016 – General Cybersecurity with the Stop.Think.Connect. Campaign
  *   Week 2: October 10-14, 2016 – Cyber in the Workplace
  *   Week 3: October 17-21, 2016 – Cybercrime
  *   Week 4: October 24-28, 2016 – Cyber and Cutting-Edge Technology
  *   Week 5: October 31, 2016 – Cyber and Critical Infrastructure

NCSAM, an annual campaign to raise awareness about cybersecurity each October, is co-sponsored by DHS and the National 
Cyber Security Alliance. The month is designed to engage and educate public and private sector partners through events 
and initiatives with the goal of raising awareness about cybersecurity.

We encourage you to get involved! Please visit 
www.dhs.gov/national-cyber-security-awareness-month<http://www.dhs.gov/national-cyber-security-awareness-month> for 
more information.


Valerie Vogel Program Manager

EDUCAUSE
Uncommon Thinking for the Common Good
direct: 202.331.5374 | main: 202.872.4200 | twitter: @HEISCouncil | educause.edu<http://www.educause.edu/>