Witty videos reveal significant security challenges

Clever videos remind users that security needs to be Job #1 no matter where they are.  That’s at least part of the message delivered by the six winners announced today of a computer security video contest aimed at raising awareness of computer security issues.  EDUCAUSE/Internet2 Computer and Network Security Task Force, the National Cyber Security Alliance, and the ResearchChannel sponsored the contest that drew video submissions on cyber security issues from a wide array of colleges and universities across the country. Using lively vignettes and campus-based scenarios, the short videos and public service announcements explain computer security problems and actions students should take to safeguard their computers and personal information, the groups said in a release.   

Here are the scenarios of the top 3 videos from the ResearchChannel’s Website:

1st prize: Avoid Infection

This video attempts to describe the simple message of protecting your computer from viral infection through a graphically interesting animation. The video is highly stylized and visually rich in a way that will make it appealing and memorable to the college crowd. The concept is that the viewer is seeing the inside circuitry of a computer portrayed in such a manner that it can be thought of as organic. This metaphor serves to show the possibilities of infection of which both organisms and computers are susceptible. The video also provides ways to safeguard computers from viral infection such as turning your firewall on and updating your virus software. 

2nd prize: Whoa, That's Awkward

A student at work in the library is using an Instant Messaging program. He is sent a fake link to see "vacation pictures," and once he clicks on it, his computer is filled with loud, embarrassing popups. Then steps are given to prevent this in the future.

3rd prize: When You Least Expect It

They say love happens when you least expect it. So does identity theft. A young lady, online in a cyber cafe, believes she has found the man of her dreams. That man, however, is really a hacker who has just stolen her identity, because her laptop wasn't properly safeguarded.(As part of a national public service announcement campaign, the National Cyber Security Alliance has chosen this video to incorporate into a large national campaign to run on universities and high school TV broadcast channels to underscore the importance of Internet safety and security precautions.) 

All of the videos are now available for free download from ResearchChannel here. 

• General discussions
• Security
• educause
• identity theft
• Internet2
• National Cyber Security Alliance