To the Editors:

As our lives become more integrated with technology, keeping our personal information confidential becomes more difficult.

E-mail, the Internet, automated teller machines, cell phones, long distance carriers, computer banking, purchases and even credit cards that normally make our lives more efficient also can leave us vulnerable to fraud and other crimes.

During October, the office of Safety and Security received several reports of attempts to compromise personal security in obtaining private information.

In one instance, a student reported receiving an e-mail, falsely attributed to a sender from within the College, soliciting money to support a pornographic web site. In another, a student reported being solicited near a public park in Oberlin for personal information about her name and residency. Two College community members reported being contacted by phone solicitors for credit cards, who insisted on taking social security numbers in addition to birth dates and other personal information.

There were several reported thefts of wallets and book bags left unattended in public places containing ID’s, personal information, credit cards and checkbooks.

Following a few simple tips to protect your personal information can often help:
—Avoid responding to requests for personal information from unsolicited contacts over the Internet, e-mail, telephone or in person.
—Never share names, addresses, information, pictures, credit card, bank account numbers or your social security number.
—Never agree to meet face to face or respond to messages/conversations from someone unfamiliar to you.
—Destroy by tearing into small pieces all of the materials you receive and discard on a daily
basis, including credit card offers, ATM receipts, bank and credit card statements or anything with an account number.
—Protect your passwords and PIN numbers. Change them regularly; use a combination of letters and numbers that are not your name; do not share passwords or PIN numbers with others. They are your confidential codes.
—Protect your transactions in public from observers; be aware of the proximity of someone who may watch your computer screen, your typing of passwords and PIN numbers, or may listen to your private conversations involving personal information.
—Do not respond to spam or unsolicited e-mail. If you do not recognize the sender, or the contents do not match an expected message from a sender with whom you are familiar, do not respond and confirm your address as valid. In cases of pornographic content or threats, save the material and contact your Internet provider and the local law enforcement authorities.
—Watch your personal information and property. If it is not under your immediate control, it may soon be under the control of an identity thief. Report the loss of any document containing personal information immediately.

The weakest link in securing private information is the human element. Being aware and understanding what is being asked of you is often the first line of defense. Keep private that information that is yours alone!

–Robert Jones
Director of Safety and Security