Jef Andrew's Blog by Jef Andrew BANGKAS https://padlet.com/jadcbangkas/wlp6eiuulraal47j A blog of Jef Andrew Bangkas during his 3rd year in the University of the Southeastern Philippines containing his experiences and learnings under the subject ITIS 326 Data Privacy and Security en-us 2023-03-04 12:14:09 UTC 2023-05-06 10:32:42 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f30c.png 1. A new semester, a new subject, & a new instructor jadcbangkas https://padlet.com/jadcbangkas/wlp6eiuulraal47j/wish/2503435369 As a student, I have come across many instructors in my academic journey, some were exceptional, and others not so much. However, recently, I had the pleasure of being taught by a new instructor who exceeded all my expectations. 

As soon as the orientation week was done, we proceeded to actual face to face classes almost every day. New subjects and new instructors await us, and I was nervous but excited at the same time. One particular subject and instructor caught all of our attention at the very first week. At first, I was a bit apprehensive when I found out that there would be a new instructor for one of my classes because rumors were spreading that they were very scary and strict. 

The rumors were indeed right, the instructor was very strict and scary and left a very strong impression on me that I have to do my best in order to survive in this subject. At this point in my mind, I was thinking about how can I endure an hour and thirty minutes every Tuesday and Thursday?

After a little bit of extra talent show from each of the students in our class, the lecture then started. I was surprised that I actually learned a lot of new things when my expectations were that the subject will most likely be the same as cybersecurity from the last semester. 

The new instructor had a very engaging teaching style. He used real-life examples to make the content more relatable, and he encouraged class participation, making the learning experience interactive and fun. The instructor was also skilled in teaching by keeping the flow of the lecture going without getting boring. My first impressions were indeed negative, but I was proved wrong after the lecture, and I am looking forward for the next meetings.

]]> 2023-03-04 12:19:09 UTC https://padlet.com/jadcbangkas/wlp6eiuulraal47j/wish/2503435369 2. New meeting, new learnings, and new perpectives jadcbangkas https://padlet.com/jadcbangkas/wlp6eiuulraal47j/wish/2551443850 After my unexpected new impressions from my instructor during our last class, I was looking forward to our upcoming next meeting. Once again, the instructor did not fail to change my perspective and amaze me. I learned many different things about data privacy from him. I will be sharing the parts that I understood during our meeting.

First is Limiting the quantity of personal information you reveal online is crucial first and foremost. While it may be tempting to post about every aspect of your life on social media, it's crucial to be selective about the details you reveal. Your full name, address, phone number, and other sensitive information should not be shared online. 

He then asked us about passwords. How often do we change them, and do we take note about each of the passwords we make for each account. I felt guilty while listening to our instructor explain. I often use the same password for each of my accounts because I am too lazy to take note of different passwords I make. 

I then learned that passwords are the most basic steps you can take to protect your data online is to use strong passwords and two-factor authentication. Your passwords should be unique and complex enough that they can't be easily guessed. Additionally, you should enable two-factor authentication whenever possible, which adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. 

We jumped to the next topic about online scams. In order to avoid getting scammed, I understood that it's important to be cautious and skeptical of anything that seems too good to be true. Don't click on links or download attachments from unknown sources and be wary of giving away personal information. If you're unsure about something, do some research or ask someone you trust for their opinion. By staying informed and vigilant, you can help protect yourself from online scams. We didn't tackle about the topic too long because our prerequisite subject which is cybersecurity already made us knowledgeable about online scams. 

Every meeting I continue to learn something new, I have learned valuable insights about protecting my data privacy online. They were able to explain complex concepts in a clear and concise manner, making the learning process enjoyable and rewarding. I admire their passion for their subject matter and their commitment to ensuring that we all have the necessary knowledge and tools to protect ourselves online. Once again, the rumors prove to be false and I continue to look forward to the next meeting with new learnings, and new perspectives. 

]]> 2023-04-12 10:30:21 UTC https://padlet.com/jadcbangkas/wlp6eiuulraal47j/wish/2551443850 3. A new day, new activity, and new findings jadcbangkas https://padlet.com/jadcbangkas/wlp6eiuulraal47j/wish/2579472082 Our teacher assigned us a brand-new group project to complete in class today. The activity was about criticizing the enrollment process of the university during the pandemic process. What were the advantages and disadvantages in the online enrollment process? Were there any security measures that could be bypassed in the enrollment process? Therse were the main questions that were given to us in the activity.

We could feel the excitement and vigor in the air as we formed our teams. Each team was assigned at least 5 members for the activity. We all eagerly started discussing and working together after our lecturer had described the rules and goals of the activity. Working together with our classmates toward a common objective was enjoyable, and we anticipate seeing the results of our efforts. 

Our team listed the advantages and disadvantages of online enrollment versus face-to-face enrollment and found that online enrollment is generally easier due to the frustrating lines and document printing that are common with face-to-face enrollment. However, we also identified some issues in the enrollment system, including the lack of file segregation and storage, which caused delays in accessing personal files during a clinic visit, and the exemption system that allowed some students to enroll without the necessary credentials.

It was time for each group to present their ideas to the class. The atmosphere in the room was electric as each team took their turn in front of the class. As our group's turn approached, my heart raced as I realized that I had been chosen to be our representative. Despite my nerves, I confidently delivered our group's ideas, which had been well-researched and thoughtfully crafted.

It was time for each group to present their ideas to the class. The atmosphere in the room was electric as each team took their turn in front of the class. As our group's turn approached, my heart raced as I realized that I had been chosen to be our representative. Despite my nerves, I confidently delivered our group's ideas, which had been well-researched and thoughtfully crafted.

As the presentations came to an end, the instructor thanked each group for their impressive efforts and commended the level of collaboration and creativity displayed throughout the exercise. Our instructor acknowledged all these problems in the system and will try to talk to the staff behind the enrollment process to improve the system's security. It may not be perfect, but it will be miles better than the last one. ]]> 2023-05-05 12:26:25 UTC https://padlet.com/jadcbangkas/wlp6eiuulraal47j/wish/2579472082 4. A new day, new articles, new understandings jadcbangkas https://padlet.com/jadcbangkas/wlp6eiuulraal47j/wish/2579554309 Just as I was about to take a break from everything academic related, our instructor posted an article link for us to read. This article is supposed to give us insight about the subject Data Privacy and Security. I then opened my laptop and proceeded to read these article links our instructor sent to us. 

I was uneasy about the situation of privacy in our connected society after reading the article "Is Privacy Dead Today?" published on the Manila Bulletin. The essay talked about how technology has profoundly changed how we think about privacy and how our personal information is being shared online more frequently without our awareness or agreement. I became more conscious of how much of my personal information is available online and how exposed I am to cyber risks as a result of this revelation.

The article's main lesson was that although privacy is not extinct, it has evolved. Even though we may have less control over our personal data than in the past, there are still things we can do to safeguard it online. This entails minimizing the amount of private information we post on social media sites, employing privacy settings to limit who may view our postings, and protecting our online accounts with secure passwords.

The need for increased responsibility and transparency from internet businesses was another crucial insight. It is crucial that these businesses be held responsible for how the personal data they gather and keep is used. To do this, they must be open and honest about the information they gather, how they use it, and who has access to it.

In addition to the need for personal responsibility and corporate accountability, the article also touched on the role of government in protecting privacy. With the rise of cyber threats and the increasing use of personal data for targeted advertising and other purposes, there is a growing need for governments to establish laws and regulations that protect individuals' privacy rights. However, the article also acknowledged the challenges of balancing individual privacy with national security concerns, particularly in the age of terrorism and cyber warfare.


Reading this article has made me realize that while we may not have complete control over our personal information in the digital age, there are steps we can take to protect ourselves and our privacy. It is important to be aware of the risks associated with sharing personal information online, and to take steps to minimize those risks. This can include being cautious about what information we share on social media, using strong passwords, and keeping our software and security systems up to date.

I am now more aware of the value of safeguarding my personal information online and the requirement for greater openness and responsibility from digital corporations as a result of the article "Is Privacy Dead Today?" It also got me thinking about how the digital age has altered how we see privacy and how we must evolve to safeguard it in the modern world.
]]> 2023-05-05 13:33:27 UTC https://padlet.com/jadcbangkas/wlp6eiuulraal47j/wish/2579554309 5. An end to the subject, final projects, and infographics jadcbangkas https://padlet.com/jadcbangkas/wlp6eiuulraal47j/wish/2579569269 As I reflect on my experience creating an infographic about social media policies, I have gained significant insights about the importance of data protection and privacy. Initially, I was tasked with creating an infographic on Facebook's social media policy. As I delved deeper into the topic, I realized how much personal data is collected by Facebook and how vital it is to protect it.

Creating the infographic, I learned about the various types of data that Facebook collects, such as user location, browsing history, and device information, and how it uses this data to target advertisements. I also learned about the various privacy settings available on Facebook that can help users protect their personal information, such as limiting the visibility of their profile and posts to specific audiences.

One of the key takeaways from this assignment is the importance of striking a balance between self-expression and data protection. While it is essential to express oneself freely on social media platforms like Facebook, it is equally important to be mindful of the personal information shared and with whom it is being shared. It is a delicate balance, but it can be achieved by regularly reviewing privacy settings and avoiding sharing sensitive information in posts and comments.

Another essential aspect highlighted in the infographic was the need to report any privacy or security concerns to Facebook's support team and take appropriate action to protect personal information. The infographic also contained tips on protecting privacy on Facebook, such as being cautious about third-party apps and limiting the visibility of posts and comments.

Overall, this assignment has helped me realize the importance of protecting personal data on social media platforms. It has also taught me the value of educating others on how to navigate privacy settings and policies while balancing self-expression with data protection. As I look back on the infographic I created, I am proud of the knowledge I have gained and believe it will help Facebook users better understand the importance of protecting their personal information.]]> 2023-05-05 13:44:39 UTC https://padlet.com/jadcbangkas/wlp6eiuulraal47j/wish/2579569269