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Digital Safety refers to the knowledge and skills needed for the intentional protection of users in the digital environment. With children having access to digital devices at a young age, it has become essential for them to be educated on how to be safe in the digital world. Through a week-long summer camp on digital safety, elementary-age learners were introduced to four topics (digital identity and digital footprint, cyberbullying, netiquette, and digital security and privacy). This study found that the digital safety immersion camp was beneficial to elementary school learners based on the achievement, attitude, and behavior data that were collected. Posttest scores were statistically significant from the pre-test. Cyberbullying topic had the highest pre- and post-knowledge, whereas netiquette and online behavior, and digital security and privacy had comparatively lesser scores. Students demonstrated positive attitudes in the post-camp survey and they also included several lessons learned from the camp in the Pixton comic strip, which they created as the final project from the camp. The findings from this study contribute to the current literature on preparing elementary school students' knowledge and skills related to digital safety and have implications for students, teachers, administrators, and parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to identify and analyze the main research streams on digital safety and online privacy related to higher education students. Students are at risk of cybercrime, including online harassment, identity theft, and exposure to inappropriate content. A systematic literature review is conducted on digital security, cybersecurity, Internet security, online safety, and use of digital technologies. The results show that publications on digital security for higher education students have increased consistently during the last two decades. The main research streams are: digital risk and student perspectives, digital children, digital teenagers, online harassment, and digital behavior. In conclusion, this study provides a wide assessment on digital security for university students and highlights the importance of future research on improving awareness and safety on digital environments for teenagers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines future teachers' self-perception regarding competences related to the environmental impact of digital technologies. The sample includes 1948 participants (235 men and 1713 women) selected through incidental sampling from the Faculty of Education Sciences at the University of Seville. The validated instrument used was the Teacher's Digital Competence and Eco-responsible Use of Technology Scale. Results indicated that the participants had received less than optimal training and had limited knowledge about technologies and their environmental impact. The study concludes that it is necessary to establish training on the development of environmental competences and their link to educational technologies, starting from the institution, with the aim of guaranteeing the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors have developed a psychometric instrument with the purpose of assessing the digital competencies of teachers in aspects of cybersecurity. From the collection of data, different secondary objectives were carried out: (1) identify if there were significant differences regarding gender; (2) understand if there are significant differences based on various actions (use of different operating systems, two-step authentication, use of different passwords for applications and profiles), for each gender; (3) identify if the frequency of updating of passwords in LMS, emails, RRSS and apps correlate with the digital competencies of teachers in training, for each gender. For this purpose, an ex post facto ad hoc design was used based on a sample of 220 students enrolled in a Primary Education and Early Childhood Education course at the University of Malaga (Spain). The results show that the digital skills of these teachers of the future are at a low level, and that they find it hard to navigate their way in this new world. It is also concluded that there are significant differences with respect to gender in terms of various cybersecurity actions (use of the Mac operating system; two-step authentication). In addition, it was found that the frequency of updating passwords in LMS, emails, RRSS and apps affects the competences of the teachers in training in security and prevention, in both genders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media drug markets are likely to present people participating in these spaces with new vulnerabilities to law enforcement. There is currently limited research on how people perceive and manage the risk of exposure to law enforcement in social media drug markets. This is particularly notable considering widespread practices of user data collection and the normalization of surveillance as part of social media engagement. We present a thematic analysis of data from anonymous online interviews with people who buy and sell drugs (N = 33) via social media and messaging apps in New Zealand. We use the concept of "imagined surveillance" to explore how participants adapted existing understandings of online surveillance to online risk management strategies to avoid police. Most participants reported low concern for exposure to law enforcement while using social media and messaging apps for drug trading. Nevertheless, almost all participants took active risk management measures. Examples of strategies used included limiting the accumulation of evidence via self-deleting messages or arranging drug trades using code language. Participants often also reported low concern for their digital trace data to be accessed by police. Navigating law enforcement risk in social media drug markets is likely to be informed and shaped by more general perceptions of digital privacy risk and related management strategies, particularly in more normalized drug market contexts. The potential for broader and unexpected consequences to result from the use of drug-related digital trace data across public and private contexts is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an increasingly digitized environment, with a heavy reliance on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), the significance of digital competencies (DC) in the public sector is undeniably crucial. This study focuses on assessing the impact of DC on the productivity of public servants in a governmental entity in Peru during 2022. Utilizing logistic regression analysis on a sample of 134 participants, and asserting a 99% confidence level with a 3.8% margin of error, it is concluded that DC accounts for a significant proportion (24.9%) of productivity variability. The analysis identifies a deficiency in DC among older public servants, following an examination of skills in information, communication, creation, digital security, and digital empathy. While communication sk ills are prominent, creative abilities emerge as the most vulnerable aspect. This study advocates for the implementation of a training program aimed at enhancing DC, with a particular emphasis on creative skills, and adopting a tailored approach for digital natives and immigrants. The training plan should be underpinned by the proposed concept of DC within a directed acyclic diagram, illustrating the integration and interrelation of the five key digital skills - information, communication, creation, digital security, and digital empathy - thereby enhancing productivity through increased effectiveness and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reveals the main areas of higher education institutions scientific libraries’ work in the field of forming the youth digital culture and ensuring the basic principles of digital citizenship. The relevance and novelty of the research lies in clarifying the need for constant improvement of digital culture in its relationship with digital citizenship in the modern educational space with the involvement of the scientific libraries’ experience. The research methodology is based on a combination of comparative analysis, systematic, heuristic and logical methods of scientific research. The essential features of information culture, digital culture and the culture of knowledge management in the modern educational space are analyzed, in particular, the dynamics of knowledge management in higher educational institutions stimulate students to exchange experience and knowledge not only within the boundaries of one educational institution, but also in the network educational space in general. Digital technologies provide effective communication in the network public space and create prerequisites for successful professional and personal self-realization of a person. It is noted that the formation of digital culture is based on the development of digital competences, as a dynamic combination of knowledge, abilities, skills, ways of thinking, views, other personal qualities in the field of information, communication and digital technologies for communication, personal development, learning, work, participation in social life. The main features of digital citizenship are defined as the awareness of universal cultural and social issues related to technologies, the formed practice of legal and ethical behavior; safe, legal and responsible use of information and technologies; demonstration of a positive attitude towards the use of technology, that support collaboration, learning and productivity; a sense of responsibility for one's lifelong learning; commitment to intellectual honesty; respect for different cultures and societies in the virtual environment and the preservation of personal information. The Conclusions emphasize the worldview component of digital culture, which contributes to a change in thinking style based on new digital competencies. In the conditions of globalization challenges of modern times, the formation of digital culture of youth contributes to ensuring information security not only of an individual, but also of society as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study is to analyze how the development of digital consciousness and the widespread ingress of digital technologies into daily life affect the under-standing and formation of human identity in contemporary society. This aim encompasses several key research directions: studying the impact of virtual agents and artificial intelligence systems with elements of digital conscious-ness on individuals’ self- perception and their views of the world; identifying the role of digital media in the process of forming and rethinking social identity; analyzing the consequences of continuous interaction with digital technologies and content for personal development, self-esteem, and self-presentation; considering ethical and philosophical issues related to the creation and interaction with digital conscious-ness; reflecting on potential pathways for the development of relationships between humans and digital technologies, assessing opportunities and risks associated with a closer integration of artificial intelligence into the social and personal spheres of people’s lives. The result of exercising this interdisciplinary approach and combining various theories and observations show that people, with the help of technology, are taking part in developing their own identity, further proving the impact of digitalization on an individualistic and collective level; digital technologies also tend to have a profound and transformative impact on the peoples’ self-awareness and relations in a globalized world; furthermore, the use of digital technologies proves to be an effective means of global and subtle influence on the life, behavior and beliefs of modern people. It has been argued that postmodernism and cyberculture, in addition to having an ontological connection, share a model of world perception, which is not affiliated with any type of hierarchical model. The result of the author's reasoning is the conclusion that changes in technology or data loss are not mere technical problems – people end up feeling serious consequences of them, including drastic shifts in their personality, cognitive abilities and general well-being. This deeply affects the user’s ability to maintain their productivity, interact with information, and, more broadly, their ability to function in everyday life. Such situations highlight the need for the development and implementation of strategies and policies that consider potential vulnerabilities associated with technology dependence and aim to minimize the negative consequences of such dependence. Ethical considerations around cognitive extenders should include discussions on precautionary measures and development standards that ensure protection and support for users in the event of technological changes, updates, or failures. This might involve creating more resilient systems for data storage and recovery, developing more transparent and predictable update schemes, and introducing policies that support users’ cognitive autonomy and wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the current aspects of social engineering in the digital age. Social engineering is considered as a strategic technology of constructing new meanings, principles, rules and facts of social interaction. The socio-philosophical concepts of K. Popper, P. Sorokin, and R. Silverstone are analyzed in the context of constructive proposals of social engineering. The application of historical and philosophical intellectual constructs to the practices of social transformations is described in the article. The article reveals the possibilities and limitations of digital technologies in social engineering. The risks of creating new tools and algorithms for manipulation, disorientation of users of virtual technologies by social engineering methods are shown within the framework of the digital security problem. The diversity of views on the essence of social engineering and the analysis of its spheres of application problematize the interpretation of its social role and meaning. The methods of constructing social events and interfering in people's lives require critical evaluation. The implementation of AI in social engineering developments leads to the new risks, which are systematized in the article. They are related to the manipulation of public consciousness, distortion of identification and personalisation methods, financial fraud, and violation of human security [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Image tempering is one of the significant issues in the modern era. The use of powerful tools for image editing with advanced technology and its widespread on social media raised questions on data integrity. Currently, the protection of images is uncertain and a severe concern, mainly when it transfers over the Internet. Thus, it is essential to detect an anomaly in images through artificial intelligence techniques. The simple way of image forgery is called copy-move, where a part of an image is replicated in the same image to hide unwanted content of the image. However, image processing through handcrafted features usually looks for pattern concerns with duplicate content, limiting their employment for huge data classification. On the other side, deep learning approaches achieve promising results, but their performance depends on training data with fine-tuning of hyperparameters. Thus, we proposed a custom convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture with a pre-trained model ResNet101 through a transfer learning approach. For this purpose, both models are trained on five different datasets. In both cases, the impact of the model is evaluated through accuracy, precision, recall, F -score and achieved the highest 98.4% accuracy using the Coverage dataset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Journalists are increasingly attacked in response to their work yet they often lack the necessary support and training to protect themselves, their sources, and their communications. Despite this, there has been limited scholarly attention that addresses how journalism schools approach digital security education. This paper draws from an analysis of 106 US programs and 23 semi-structured interviews with journalism students and professors to examine how the next generation of journalists learn about digital security practices. Our findings show that most programs (88.7%) don't offer formal digital security programming and that digital security skills are often deprioritized in favor of skills seen as more significant contributors to post-graduate hiring—a key priority of journalism programs. Additional barriers include a lack of space and time in existing curricula for added digital security coursework, a perception that students are not interested, and few professors with related knowledge. When security education is introduced, it's done so in often informal and ad-hoc ways, largely led by "security champions," both within and outside of journalism, who advocate for its legitimacy. These findings have important implications for journalism education and journalists' capacity to carry out their work amidst a deteriorating safety environment in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protecting digital data, systems, and networks from harmful activity and illegal access is known as digital security, sometimes referred to as cybersecurity or information security. It includes several steps meant to keep networks, systems, and digital assets safe from hackers, illegal access, and data breaches. To understand the reliability and effectiveness of digital protection, we investigate an advanced decision algorithm to identify vague and unclear information about human opinion. To serve this purpose, an intuitionistic fuzzy set is a potent approach for handling uncertainty and experts' judgments about the decision analysis process. The prioritized aggregation operators are used to fuse redundant information into a single term based on different preferences about characteristics or criteria. In this article, the authors formulated some dominant operational laws of Sugeno-Weber triangular norms in the presence of intuitionistic fuzzy information. These operational laws have an extensive capability to achieve authentic and smooth aggregated results during the aggregation process. To identify an ideal solution of an alternative, we developed mathematical methodologies by combing two different theories of Sugeno-Weber triangular norms and an intuitionistic fuzzy context such as intuitionistic fuzzy Sugeno-Weber prioritized geometric (IFSWPrG) and intuitionistic fuzzy Sugeno-Weber prioritized weighted geometric (IFSWPrWG) operators. Some realistic properties and characteristics are also demonstrated to highlight the versatility and effectiveness of derived approaches. We also established a multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) technique by considering derived mathematical methodologies and an intuitionistic fuzzy scenario. By utilizing an algorithm of the MADM problem, we explore a case study to evaluate a suitable digital security technique based on prominent characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid advancement of deep learning technologies has led to the proliferation of deepfake content, posing significant challenges for digital security, privacy, and the integrity of information. Traditional detection methods often struggle with real-time analysis and distinguishing sophisticated deepfakes. This study introduces an advanced plasmonic resonance-enhanced biosensor designed for comprehensive real-time detection and analysis of deepfake content, leveraging the unique properties of plasmonic materials to enhance sensitivity and accuracy. The biosensor system integrates plasmonic resonance techniques with machine learning algorithms to detect subtle anomalies in digital content. Plasmonic nanostructures are engineered to interact with specific optical signatures of authentic and manipulated media. The sensor’s response is captured and processed using a convolutional neural network (CNN) trained on a diverse dataset of real and deepfake images and videos. The system’s performance is evaluated based on detection accuracy, response time, and the ability to adapt to evolving deepfake techniques. The plasmonic resonance-enhanced biosensor demonstrated a significant improvement in detection capabilities compared to traditional methods. The system achieved an overall detection accuracy of 98.7%, with a false positive rate of 1.2% and a false negative rate of 0.5%. Real-time analysis showed an average response time of 0.8 s per frame, enabling efficient processing of video content. The adaptive learning capability of the CNN allowed the biosensor to maintain high accuracy even as new deepfake generation techniques were introduced. The advanced plasmonic resonance-enhanced biosensor presents a robust solution for real-time detection and analysis of deepfake content. Its high sensitivity and accuracy, coupled with rapid response times, make it an effective tool for safeguarding digital media integrity. Future work will focus on optimizing the sensor’s integration into various platforms and expanding its capabilities to detect a broader range of digital manipulations. This technology holds promise for enhancing security measures across multiple domains, including media verification, cybersecurity, and forensic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fifth article in a series of five papers devoted to hydrogen energy digitalization. The article discusses the prospects for the introduction of digital technologies in the processes of industrial production, transportation and storage of hydrogen energy products. It is shown that the introduction of digitalization methods should be carried out within a single digital platform. The issues of digital security of hydrogen units, as well as the confidentiality of data transmission when using advanced information technologies, are considered. An increase in the pace of digitalization methods implementation can be achieved by training the personnel with competencies in interdisciplinary fields. A number of relevant problems that complicate the process of hydrogen industry digitalization are described. The requirements for the competencies of future experts in the interdisciplinary field are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Home users of information and communication technologies are often the target of online attacks. At the same time they tend to lack the knowledge and skills to effectively protect themselves. Families with children are in a particularly difficult position since parents are responsible not only for their own digital safety, but of their children's too. This study focuses on the sources of digital security information used by parents. The aim of this study was to determine the factors that are associated with parents' preferences for digital security information. To achieve this aim, we conducted an online survey of 331 Czech parents and examined the patterns of sources used for digital security information using latent class analysis. This analysis identified four groups of parents: (1) those relying predominantly on the internet in general, (2) those using specialised sources (expert websites and professionals), (3) those utilising a wide spectrum of sources, including internet, television, and friends and family, and (4) those who predominantly gain information from their partners, and partially from specialists. The study also shows that the preferences of specific sources are connected to parental mediation practices and both parents' internet skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The creation of an efficient digital infrastructure is a prerequisite for the successful operation of any digital service with a high degree of complexity. In the best case, the organization of information processes should be based on the best practices in the construction of digital infrastructure, which allows the future development. With increasing the level of integration of digitalization with daily company activities, it is necessary to pay more attention to the problems of ensuring the continuity of digitalization processes. There are a lot of methods that have been developed to select the best of multiple options, each of which evaluated on the base of multiple criteria. In this research the usage of one of them is proposed as most suitable for taking decisions on building digital infrastructure for digitalization services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

e-Prescription systems are key components and drivers of digital health. They can enhance the safety of the patients, and are gaining popularity in health care systems around the world. Yet, there is little knowledge on comparative international analysis of e-Prescription systems' architecture and digital security. We report, in this study, original findings from a comparative analysis of the e-Prescription systems in eight different countries, namely, Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Spain, Japan, Sweden, and Denmark. We surveyed the databases related to pharmacies, eHealth, e-Prescriptions, and related digital health websites for each country, and their system architectures. We also compared the digital security and privacy protocols in place within and across these digital systems. We evaluated the systems' authentication protocols used by pharmacies to verify patients' identities during the medication dispensing process. Furthermore, we examined the supporting systems/services used to manage patients' medication histories and enhance patients' medication safety. Taken together, we report, in this study, original comparative findings on the limitations and challenges of the surveyed systems as well as in adopting e-Prescription systems. While the present study was conducted before the onset of COVID-19, e-Prescription systems have become highly relevant during the current pandemic and hence, a deeper understanding of the country systems' architecture and digital security that can help design effective strategies against the pandemic. e-Prescription systems can help reduce physical contact and the risk of exposure to the virus, as well as the wait times in pharmacies, thus enhancing patient safety and improving planetary health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Violence against Mexican journalists has received significant attention from scholars at home and abroad during the last decade. However, though a diversity of issues have been consistently studied, there is one topic that is still largely neglected: the implications of technology for news workers' security and their journalistic practice. Drawing on a set of semi-structured interviews with 93 journalists working in 23 of the most dangerous Mexican subnational entities, the aim of this article is to fill that gap. Empirical evidence from all over the country points to a nearly unanimous perception of digital technologies as being a "double-edged knife." This is because electronic devices and social media may be used as a tool for developing better reporting practices, but also as a weapon against journalists, through – for instance – online harassment or espionage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital citizenship, defined as exhibiting appropriate and responsible behavior with digital technology use, is an essential component of technology education. The purpose of this study was to examine K-12 educators' perceptions of their students' digital citizenship knowledge and practices as they relate to cyberbullying, digital footprint, digital privacy, digital netiquette, and digital identity. One hundred and seven educators responded to a survey on digital citizenship practices. Based on the educators' perceptions, student understanding and practice of digital citizenship were rated as not well for most of the items on the survey. While educators' perceptions of their students' digital citizenship practices did not vary among school levels or based on their roles as teachers or technology coaches, educators who taught digital citizenship had higher perceptions of their students' digital citizenship practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to discover the reality of using social networks in the Faculty of Education, King Faisal University students. It also provided suggestions to employ social networks in enhancing their digital citizenship dimensions. It used the descriptive approach and the questionnaire as a study tool that included 43 items covered four axes of the most important dimensions of digital citizenship that can be enhanced through students' use of social networks: digital rules of conduct, digital culture and digital security, digital rights and responsibilities. It conducted on (356) male and female students from the Faculty of Education, King Faisal University. The study main findings indicated that a high percentage of the study sample agree that social networks have a role in enhancing the digital citizenship dimensions, and showed that students opinions sometimes vary on the common digital citizenship dimensions in social networking sites, there are significant statistically differences between the study sample in the digital citizenship dimensions in terms of gender in favoring male students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child online protection is an important topic in the Internet regulations. The countries and international organizations are conducting many efforts on this matter, as well. A field study was conducted on child online protection in the light of the standards and elements established in the context of digital citizenship so as to contribute to these efforts. As a result of the study, it was tried to arrive at a conclusion on which elements of the digital citizenship should be contributed to more so that more effective means can be pursued in child online protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information communications technologies (ICTs) like laptops, smartphones and portable storage devices facilitate travel, communication and documentation for researchers who conduct fieldwork. But despite increasing awareness about the ethical complications associated with using ICTs among journalists and humanitarians, there are few reflections on digital security among researchers. This article seeks to raise awareness of this important question by outlining three sets of ethical challenges related to digital security that may arise during the course of field research. These ethical challenges relate to (i) informed consent and confidentiality, (ii) collecting, transferring and storing sensitive data, and (iii) maintaining the personal security and integrity of the researcher. To help academics reflect on and mitigate these risks, the article underscores the importance of digital risk assessments and develops ten basic guidelines for field research in the digital age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Technology is increasingly used in the provision of psychology services, and technology-assisted supervision may offer improved access, convenience, and cost efficiencies in supervision settings, as well as augmenting and extending traditional supervision tools. The successful implementation and uptake of technology in supervision and training may be impacted by psychologists' understanding of digital security mechanisms and their perception of risk associated with new technologies. Method Twenty-five psychologists completed a survey exploring knowledge of e-security, perceptions of risk associated with different behaviours in both digital and more traditional working contexts, and the extent to which they engaged in these behaviours. Comfort and willingness to utilise new supervision technologies was also assessed. Results Results reveal a perceived lack of understanding of electronic security mechanisms. Comparisons of perceived risk between physical and equivalent digitally managed information were rated as similar. Psychologists tend to engage in higher perceived risk behaviours less often, although there are some clear discrepancies. Greater knowledge of e-security was associated with less comfort in using new supervision technologies. Conclusions User perceptions of risk may impact the uptake of potentially useful technologies that support supervision. Education in the implementation of appropriate digital security mechanisms is recommended, coupled with further research to understand barriers associated with greater knowledge of security risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital information security management (DISM) is considered an important tool to ensure the privacy and protection of data and resources in an electronic environment. The purpose of this research is to look into the applications of DISM policies in terms of practices and implementation in academic libraries. It also identifies the challenges faced by academic libraries in applying these DISM practices regarding policy. A systematic literature review was conducted to achieve the objectives of the study. The data were collected from well-known different databases, that is, Library Information Science and Technology Abstracts (LISTA), Library and Information Science Abstracts (LISA), IEEE Xplore, Emerald Insight, ACM Digital Library, Scopus, Sage journals, Taylor & Francis, ProQuest, Science Direct, Wiley Online Library, and Google Scholar. It followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to choose relevant articles with keyword searching. Some academic libraries have developed DISM policies on data protection, data backup, information security (IS) systems, the development of hardware and software, the training of library staff, data protection from malware and social engineering, and data security and privacy. A few libraries have developed a mechanism to protect and secure users’ sensitive data from hackers, viruses, malware and social engineering. Findings indicated that both organisations and users trust libraries due to their strict privacy and data security policies. However, some academic libraries did not adopt and implement DISM policies in their organisations, even though they had written DISM policies. Libraries have been facing issues with the DISM policy on data security and privacy, data backup, IS systems, hardware and software upgrades and technical support of library staff. They also face budgetary challenges and a lack of readiness among librarians to adopt emerging tools and technology such as DISM. Library professionals faced challenges in developing and implementing the DISM policy. For data security and privacy, stakeholders, administrators and library professionals must promote the DISM policy culture in academics. This study is beneficial for library professionals, policymakers, administrators and management to make DISM policies and implement them in their organisation or libraries to secure sensitive, personal data and resources. This article is the first review of DISM policy in academic libraries of its kind and would be useful for information professionals, stakeholders and administrators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychologists increasingly rely upon "telepsychology" (e.g., e-mail and Internet-based client communications) despite the growing presence of threats to online security. However, practitioners may overestimate the benefits of electronic communications and underestimate their risks. Using the example of the availability heuristic as one cognitive bias, which may promote this imbalance, this article reviews a number of resources for practitioners that provide enhanced security and confidentiality in the digital realm. Governmental, regulatory and professional bodies provide pertinent and detailed guidance that can achieve these goals. To illustrate this process, this article reviews and augments a number of safeguards (administrative, physical, and technical) within the HIPAA Security Rule. It also surveys opportunities for continuing education and credentialing that may enhance professional competence in electronic communications. It concludes with a list of recommendations for enhancing security and reducing the influence of the availability heuristic in telepsychology. These recommendations range across several categories of professional practice: hardware and software management, confidentiality, informed consent, competence, consultation, and continuing education. This article can help practitioners reap the benefits of telepsychology while successfully enhancing confidentiality and security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a novel watermarking scheme to ensure the authenticity of digital images. Our authentication technique is able to detect malicious tampering of images even if they have been incidentally distorted by basic image processing operations. The image protection is achieved by the insertion of a secret author''s identification key in the image wavelet coefficients by their selective quantization. Our system uses characteristics of the human visual system to maximize the embedding weights while keeping good perceptual transparency. We develop an image-dependent method to evaluate, in the wavelet domain, the optimal quantization step allowing the tamper proofing of the image. The nature of multiresolution discrete wavelet decomposition allows the spatial and frequency localization of image tampering. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate the capacity of our system to detect unauthorized modification of images, to show its robustness to image compression and high security levels and to compare it with publicly available image authentication software. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Internet has increasingly been used for communication between people. Most users have no problem relaying messages, which do not contain confidential information, over a network. Yet, for it to be accepted as a medium of conducting monetary transactions there will need to be a higher degree of confidence in the technology''s reliability and security. No one will agree to send his or her financial information over the Internet if there is any doubt in the security of that medium. Likewise, companies involved in E-commerce must have a means to verify the customers using the Internet to order goods and services. Public Key Infrastructure, PKI, attempts to provide the answer to the reliability question, as a method of digital security. PKI provides the ability to verify the sender and the recipient of electronic messages, protecting against E-commerce fraud, corporate espionage, and the theft of intellectual property. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper introduces two spatial methods in order to embed watermark data into fingerprint images, without corrupting their features. The first method inserts watermark data after feature extraction, thus preventing watermarking of regions used for fingerprint classification. The method utilizes an image adaptive strength adjustment technique which results in watermarks with low visibility. The second method introduces a feature adaptive watermarking technique for fingerprints, thus applicable before feature extraction. For both of the methods, decoding does not require original fingerprint image. Unlike most of the published spatial watermarking methods, the proposed methods provide high decoding accuracy for fingerprint images. High data hiding and decoding performance for color images is also observed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]