Features

iCloud breach releases pics, scares users

The recent release of uncensored celebrity selfies has left iCloud users wondering how to better protect themselves online. On Sept. 1, the media erupted with the surfacing of nude celebrity photos. 
Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Upton, and Ariana Grande were among the celebrities who were targeted.
Although this may seem like a situation that is only relevant to celebrities, it is never a bad time to be reminded of security, and common sense measures that should be taken online. 
Brian Lay, manager of Information Systems at MCCC, does not believe that people know enough about Apple’s iCloud, or what it does with the information it’s sent. 
“People send this information without knowing where it goes, where it is stored, or how it is stored,” Lay said. 
To know the proper measures, users must know about the system Lack of knowledge is not the only contributing factor to hacked information. Panera Bread and Starbucks may seem like a nice place to get the perfect combination of expensive coffee and free Wi-Fi, but the majority of internet seekers ignore the fine-print, making their information much more easily accessible. 
“People don’t read the disclaimer that says there’s a chance that someone could potentially be using a device to sniff for usernames or passwords,” Lay said. 
Aside from actually paying attention to the disclaimers, another important aspect of security measures is having a complex pass- word that is not easily accessible. Lay had a few pieces of advice dealing with password creation and protection. 
“Don’t save passwords where other peo- ple can see or read. Use more complex pass- words. Change your passwords often. Don’t use the same password for everything.” 
If it is too hard to remember the tips, maybe it will be easier to remember that not everything needs to be shared over social media. 
Not every event needs to be live-tweeted, and not every Saturday night should be posted on Instagram. Lay believes that may be the issue with the technology-obsessed younger generation. 
“People think that everything and anything they do needs to be out there for the public, and I think people should probably rethink their position on that,” Lay said. 
It seems as though it should be common sense; what is and is not appropriate to post online, unfortunately that is not always the case. If it is too much of a hassle to weigh the pros and cons of posting something online, Lay gives users one simple rule; 
“The Grandmother Rule.” “If you wouldn’t show it to your grand- mother, or tell your grandmother about it, maybe you should not send it, create it, or give it  to the public.”