Topic of the Week
Welcome to our "Topic of the Week" section, where we spotlight key issues in security, privacy, audit, risk, and compliance. Each week, we look into a relevant topic, offering insights and strategies to help navigating the ever-evolving landscape of regulations and best practices
Understanding Internal vs. External Audits: Why Internal Audits Matter for Privacy and Security in Higher Education
In today’s higher education environment, there is increasing pressure to safeguard sensitive data and demonstrate compliance with privacy and security standards. From student records and financial data to cutting-edge research, institutions hold a wide range of information that must be protected from unauthorized access, misuse, and breaches. Auditing plays a critical role in this process by helping institutions identify risks, strengthen their security posture, and prepare for compliance obligations.
The Grass Can Be Greener on This Side
A couple of weeks ago, we discussed the consequences that the AI training models have on the environment, and, while the costs are real, it’s just as important to ask: what can we do about it?The reality is uncomfortable: our digital lives come with a rising environmental footprint. Every streamed video, email, or notification consumes electricity. The boom in AI-powered tools adds a new layer, embedding energy-hungry processes into daily routines and placing more strain on the infrastructure that powers them.
Ring Doorbells--How safe are they?
When you were a kid/young teenager did you and your friends ever find yourself bored and think “hey, why don’t we go ding dong ditch some neighbors?” In some ways, life was much more simple back then, but now things have changed. The kids can no longer ding dong ditch thanks to Ring, the digital doorbell. These doorbells offer a camera option that records when someone rings the doorbell, or even when there is movement detected in its vicinity.
AI’s Dirty Secret: Watts, Water, and Waste
We live in a world surrounded by two opposing forces: the urgent call to protect our planet, and the irresistible pull of new technology. On one hand, we recycle our glass bottles, install solar panels, and swap plastic straws for reusable ones. On the other, we crave the latest smartphones, appliances that work on their own, and cars that can drive themselves.
Data Classification 101
As a faculty or staff member at the University of Maryland, you likely have heard about the data classification levels. This is something that is spoken about most commonly when someone is dealing with sensitive data, such as a Social Security Number. These data classification levels are also relevant to what systems are being used, such as Google Drive or Box. If you aren’t familiar with the data classification standard here at UMD, then this article is for you.Let's break things down…
Hands-Free, But Not Risk-Free
Modern cars, especially those made in the last five years, are like smartphones on wheels. With built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and internet-connected features, they offer conveniences like streaming music, hands-free calling, real-time traffic updates, and more. But these same features also collect massive amounts of personal data, from driving habits and locations to contacts and messages.