190. More Than Money: Decoding online safety from personal data to shopping with former TikTok cybersecurity lead, Caitlin Sarian aka Cybersecurity Girl
Aug 8, 2024
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Caitlin Sarian, a former cybersecurity lead at TikTok, shares her insights on protecting personal data online. She highlights the biggest cybersecurity threats in social media and underscores the importance of strong passwords. Caitlin offers practical advice for checking if your accounts have been breached and removing personal information from the internet. She also discusses safe online shopping practices and shares her journey in navigating TikTok's evolving security landscape, debunking conspiracy theories along the way.
Caitlin Sarian emphasizes the crucial role of cybersecurity education in mitigating risks associated with human behavior and online security threats.
She provides practical strategies for online safety, including strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, to help individuals protect their personal data.
Deep dives
Caitlin Sirian's Journey and TikTok Experience
Caitlin Sirian, an ex-TikTok cybersecurity lead, shares insights into her unique trajectory within the tech industry, specifically highlighting her transition from advising clients on data privacy to working directly for TikTok. She began her career with TikTok right after the platform established its operations in the U.S., recognizing its potential for massive outreach. During her tenure, Caitlin was impressed by TikTok's cybersecurity measures and the caliber of its employees, including former FBI and CIA agents, which contradicted her initial expectations based on external perceptions of the company. Her experience underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity practices and a less sensationalized view of TikTok's operating procedures amid prevalent misconceptions.
Understanding Cybersecurity Threats
Caitlin emphasizes that the most significant cybersecurity threats stem from human behavior, as many individuals lack proper education on using technology securely. She identifies the need for awareness and training to empower individuals to safeguard their personal information effectively. Addressing common concerns, Caitlin suggests practical steps like employing strong, unique passwords and activating multi-factor authentication to enhance security measures. By stressing the importance of education in cybersecurity, she aims to mitigate the risks posed by unintentional human error.
Best Practices for Online Security
In the discussion surrounding online safety, Caitlin provides actionable advice for individuals to strengthen their social media and online presence security. She highlights the importance of creating secure, complex passwords and regularly updating them while also using password managers for better organization. Additionally, she advocates for enabling multi-factor authentication on accounts, which adds an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access. By offering these basic yet vital strategies, Caitlin aims to equip listeners with the tools necessary to navigate online threats proactively.
Navigating Job Applications and Personal Information
Caitlin explains the complexities surrounding personal information submission during job applications, noting that while legal frameworks allow companies to retain applicant data for specific durations, it can pose privacy concerns for individuals. She advises utilizing alternative contact methods like Google Voice numbers to preserve personal privacy when applying for jobs. Additionally, Caitlin encourages job seekers to be cautious about sharing unnecessary information with potential employers. By discussing how to manage personal data effectively, she brings awareness to job applicants about safeguarding their information in a digitally connected world.
This week, Jason is joined by former TikTok cybersecurity lead and tech influencer Caitlin Sarian aka Cybersecurity Girl!
Caitlin dives into ways to protect your data online, her journey working at TikTok and how it started with them asking her to speak, debunking conspiracy theories, what she believes the biggest cybersecurity threat in social media is, and the essentials to strong passwords PLUS, how to check if your accounts have been breached, how to get your personal information removed from the internet, what the pay range is, how to shop safely online, her insider perspective on cracking the algorithm and so much more!
