Concerns about online security have grown since the Federal Government banned TikTok on government-owned devices. However, Professor Monica Whitty, Head of the Department of Software Systems & Cybersecurity at Monash University’s Faculty of Information Technology, points out that the ban will not necessarily resolve the security concerns associated with TikTok.
“Those who work for government agencies who still want to use TikTok will use it on personal devices,” says Professor Whitty. While this might reduce the use of TikTok on government-issued devices, it does not completely eliminate the potential risks associated with TikTok use.
Online Security Risks and Personal Device Use
Professor Whitty highlights that employees often use personal devices at work to access work networks, which puts organizations at risk. Most of the time, the convenience of personal devices outweighs the potential security risks that come with them. This makes network security less safe.
“There also needs to be education and awareness around data protection and privacy while using social media platforms,” Professor Whitty advises. “Individuals will not change their online behaviours unless they understand the reasoning behind it.”
Addressing Privacy and Security Issues
Professor Whitty says there are other big problems with privacy and the way people use social networking sites that need to be fixed. She says that to keep people safe, governments need to give clear instructions that people can understand.
“Citizens find it very hard to understand the real issues around security and the impacts of their behaviors,” Professor Whitty states. “ It is the responsibility of governments to keep citizens safe by providing proper comprehensible guidance.”
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Professor Whitty’s insights into the government’s ban of TikTok on employee devices shed light on the human factors of cybersecurity and the need for education and awareness around online security risks, data protection, and privacy. As social media continues to play an increasingly important role in our daily lives, it is essential to take proactive steps to safeguard ourselves against online threats.
