With the rise of anti-science sentiment, individuals can protect themselves from online attacks via multiple strategies, according to experts.
A March 14 Nature article noted that unwanted online attention can range from leaking personal information to accessing and destroying scientific data. Experts quoted in the article—including Samuel Mendez, a PhD candidate at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health who created a digital safety kit for public health workers—offered cybersecurity tips to protect against potential attacks.
For example, Mendez recommended that individuals share their concerns with others for support. “Find a trusted colleague, mentor or loved one that knows what your concerns might be” and who could help screen messages or document interactions, Mendez said. They also suggested that individuals proactively search online for existing information about themselves, so that they can remove sensitive details from public sources.
Read the Nature article: Protect yourself—and your data—with these cybersecurity tips
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‘Digital safety kit’ offers guidance for public health workers dealing with online harassment (Harvard Chan School news)
