On Monday’s St. Louis on the Air, host Don Marsh discussed cybersecurity issues in light of the recent hacking of Equifax, one of three major credit reporting agencies in the United States.
Nearly 146 million Americans were impacted by the data breach that involved social security numbers, birth dates and other personal information. A website has been set up to help those impacted by the breach monitor their credit accounts.
Joining him for the discussion were:
- Shaji Khan, Assistant Professor of Information Systems, University of Missouri-St. Louis
- Maurice Dawson, Assistant Professor of Information Systems & Fulbright Scholar, University of Missouri-St. Louis
"You can start protecting yourself online by ensuring the password you use is a strong password and use cryptography to encrypt files on your hard drive that are important," Dawson said of ways to protect yourself from security breaches. "Use firewalls, anti-virus and be very wary of links you click on."
Khan said that the onus for protection is on the consumer these days. He recommends consumers keep software updated on their machines as a good method of defense. He also recommended the Federal Tade commission website and UMSL website as having many resources for those wanting to learn more about cybersecurity.
Callers also shared their tips, including one who gave a direct phone number to call Equifax to freeze accounts at 1-888-298-0045, and the leader of Oasis Institute, which will soon start a YouTube series on cybersecurity education.
Listen to the full discussion here:
Related Event
What: STLCyberCon 2017, a Cybersecurity Conference and Career Fair
When: Friday, November 17, 2017, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Where: J.C. Penney Conference Center at the University of Missouri-St. Louis
More information.
St. Louis on the Air brings you the stories of St. Louis and the people who live, work and create in our region. St. Louis on the Air host Don Marsh and producers Mary Edwards, Alex Heuer and Kelly Moffitt give you the information you need to make informed decisions and stay in touch with our diverse and vibrant St. Louis region.
