This spring, Hamilton was incapacitated by a ransomware attack we are still recovering from months later. In addition to ransomware, universities can also be a target for intellectual property and research theft (Forbes). While keeping our networks secure is important, there are also critical equity considerations in how populations are disproportionately targeted and impacted by data breaches. 

In this 1.5-hour webinar, learn more about cybersecurity and data justice. We'll start with best practices for keeping data safe, the context of equity in relation to data breaches, critical data visualization, and approaches to involving research participants in how their data is managed. Then, we'll unpack ripped-from-the-headlines case studies to explore social justice implications.

Learning Outcomes:

• Describe best practices for keeping data safe.
• Contextualize equity in relation to data breaches and data visualization.
• Contrast approaches to involving research participants in how their data is managed.
• Examine facets of inequity in cybersecurity using real-life case studies.

Details: This virtual workshop will be recorded and shared on the same page, and discoverable via the Sherman Centre's Online Learning Catalogue.

Facilitator Bios: 

Andrea Zeffiro is an associate professor in the Department of Communication Studies and Media Arts, and academic director for the Lewis and Ruth Sherman Centre for Digital Scholarship. Her areas of research and teaching include critical data studies, media arts, and qualitative digital research methods.

Greg Atkinson is Senior Manager of Information Technology at McMaster University.

Danica Evering holds broad experience with research support, education, project management, advocacy, and knowledge translation; with fluency in social practice art, healthcare, community research, data, and systems development. Danica supports students, postdocs, faculty, and staff with RDM through the data lifecycle—Data Management Plans, storage and backup, data security, data sharing. With an MA in Media Studies from Concordia, they are interested in fostering RDM within curious scholars and disciplines.

Certificate Eligibility: This workshop is eligible for the Sherman Centre's certificate program. For more information, visit scds.ca/certificate-program. It is also eligible for the Canadian Certificate for Digital Humanities. To learn more, visit ccdhhn.ca or contact scds@mcmaster.ca.