7 snarky tips for safety in data science

Data breaches jumped 29 percent in the first half of 2017 according to a report from the Identity Theft Resource Center and CyberScout. Yes, these sources have a business interest in scaring people into compliance. As academics we cannot afford their services, but we can take heed and stay safe.

I hope that everyone who reads this newsletter is already employing basic tactics to protect data on their own computers. I’m especially looking at you, people with personally identifiable data on your laptops (*ahem* ethnographers).

7 Pro-tips for doing data science safely:

0. Password protect your computer. If you haven’t done this, you may need to question your research (and life?) goals. I offer computational therapy services on the side. :)

1. Encrypt the startup disk on your computer {Mac Windows}. [Hat-tip to David Sontag]

2. Protect your Gmail account with a physical security key. This is critical if you send data back and forth or set up confidential interviews with human subjects via email. [Hat-tip to Tech Solidarity.]

3. Do not use bank apps on your phone. Just don’t. Has nothing to do with research, but time spent fighting fraudulent charges is not time spent on research. [Hat tip to Patty Hatter, VP and General Manager of Intel Security Group Professional Services.]

4. Install an antivirus software. Use it. Most universities provide these for free. No ‘broke academic’ excuses.

5. Update devices and software automatically so that your machines have the latest security patches as soon as they are available. I know, I know, some updates punish early updaters. Complain on twitter when that happens (if you must).

6. Be smart, be safe, use a VPN…especially when you are at a hotel.

7. Wear seat belts and bike helmets. Avoid motorcycles and texting-while-driving. The humans in the loop must be able to think and type. These steps may be insufficient for meeting those goals.

These are all entry-level security tips. I know many of my readers are well beyond entry level. So, my data loving readers, what other pro-tips do you have for protecting your data and (maybe) yourselves?