Page 24 - Delaware Medical Journal - December 2017
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Growing Pains, Risks as Internet and Social Media Proliferate
Kathleen Kennelly
The rapid integration of digital technologies into everyday life continues to create new risks and challenges that many individuals and families frequently overlook or do not yet fully appreciate.
Take these two technological developments: Smartphones and
the Internet of Things (IoT). While smartphone and mobile technology as a of a greater number of people worldwide, it also has allowed the development of millions of applications that collect and store large quantities of personal data that could easily fall into the wrong hands. Today’s mobile users not only have to contend with the unsafe data collection
of certain mobile apps, but they must
also be on guard for hackers who have developed fraudulent versions of popular apps designed to steal personal data, such as credit card information.
The Internet of Things, where everyday objects have network connectivity, allowing them to send and receive data, is another example of an emerging security risk. As more devices become Internet-enabled — 24 billion by 2020, according to a recent estimate — experts basic security measures such as proper
encryption. For example, last year, security experts were able to remotely gain control of a moving Jeep Cherokee, raising questions about automakers’ ability to secure connected cars.
While responding to some emerging technological risks requires a level of technical sophistication, other risks can simply be avoided or mitigated through diligence, education, and proactive engagement with risk management specialists.
The USI Insurance Services team of personal risk specialists advise individual clients and families on ways to better manage risks associated with the use of technology for communication, security,
PROTECTING AGAINST ONLINE PREDATORS
The statistics on online predators are terrifying. According to the National Sex Offender Public Website:
A pproximately 1 in 7 (13 percent) youth internet users received unwanted sexual solicitations
9 percent of youth internet users had been exposed to distressing sexual material while online
1 5 percent of cell-owning teens (12-17 year-old) say they have received sexually suggestive nude/seminude images of someone they know via text.
Unfortunately, many experts believe these statistics will only worsen as more children gain access to a growing number of internet-connected devices. It is estimated approximately 95 percent of all Americans between 12 and 17 years old are online and three in four teens access the internet on cell phones, tablets, and other mobile devices.
It is critical that parents and guardians monitor the activity of younger children in order to protect them from online predators. Monitoring tools are available for parents.
FACING UP TO CYBER-BULLYING
Research by Cox Communications Inc., in partnership with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, found that 19 percent of teens have reported being victims of online bullying.
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Del Med J | December 2017 | Vol. 89 | No. 12
