News Summary
The University of Pennsylvania has released a new bulletin titled ‘One Step Ahead: Be Aware of What You Share,’ encouraging community members to be cautious about the personal information they share on digital platforms. This initiative aims to raise awareness about digital footprints and data security, especially with Data Privacy Day approaching. The bulletin highlights the importance of protecting Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and emphasizes the ‘Need to Know’ rule when sharing sensitive data online. It also lists resources for further guidance on managing online privacy effectively.
Philadelphia
The University of Pennsylvania has issued a new bulletin, “One Step Ahead: Be Aware of What You Share,” urging its community to exercise caution and mindfulness regarding the personal information they disseminate across digital platforms. This timely reminder, featured in the latest Volume 72 Number 21 of the University of Pennsylvania Almanac, underscores the critical importance of data security in an increasingly connected world.
The bulletin, released today, January 27, 2026, emphasizes that individuals may be inadvertently sharing more data than they intend when posting photos, videos, and updates online, or when utilizing apps and online services that gather location or account information. This shared data can potentially be used beyond its original intended audience.
Understanding Digital Footprints
The “One Step Ahead” initiative is a collaborative effort by the Offices of Information Security, Information Systems & Computing, and Audit, Compliance & Privacy at the University of Pennsylvania. Its core mission is to provide simple, actionable security and privacy advice to the university community.
This latest guidance arrives just ahead of Data Privacy Day on January 28, which marks the beginning of Data Privacy Month in February, serving as an opportune moment to reflect on practical and impactful ways to manage online privacy.
Protecting Personally Identifiable Information (PII)
The university’s ongoing “One Step Ahead” series has consistently highlighted various aspects of digital security. Previous advisories have focused on the importance of protecting Personally Identifiable Information (PII), emphasizing the “Need to Know” rule. This rule advises individuals to carefully consider the necessity of sharing PII data with any individual or entity before doing so.
Another crucial topic addressed in earlier tips was the “Half Life of an SSN,” which related to the use of Identity Finder software designed to safeguard Social Security Numbers (SSN).
Mindfulness in Social Media and Collaboration Tools
In today’s digital landscape, social media platforms and collaboration tools are integral to both personal and professional interactions. The “One Step Ahead” initiative has previously provided guidance on being mindful when using social media to protect privacy, encouraging users to familiarize themselves with University policies related to online conduct.
Furthermore, securing collaboration tools has been a focus, with advice centered on understanding the types of data that can or cannot be stored in file-sharing systems, and discerning what information is permissible to share with University versus non-University entities.
Resources for Enhanced Privacy
To assist the community in taking control of their online privacy, the bulletin recommends visiting reputable resources such as staysafeonline.org. Additionally, the University of Pennsylvania’s own Office of Audit, Compliance & Privacy website at upenn.edu/oacp/privacy offers specific tips for protecting both Penn data and individual personal data.
The University Almanac’s Role
The University of Pennsylvania Almanac, which published this latest bulletin, serves as the official weekly journal of record, opinion, and news for the entire University of Pennsylvania community.
These regular security bulletins are part of a broader, continuous effort by the university to foster a secure and privacy-aware digital environment, ensuring that students, faculty, and staff are equipped with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of digital information sharing safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the latest bulletin from the University of Pennsylvania?
The latest bulletin from the University of Pennsylvania is titled “One Step Ahead: Be Aware of What You Share”.
When was the “One Step Ahead: Be Aware of What You Share” bulletin released?
The “One Step Ahead: Be Aware of What You Share” bulletin was released on January 27, 2026.
What is the primary message of the bulletin?
The primary message of the bulletin is to urge caution and mindfulness regarding the personal information individuals disseminate across digital platforms, as people may be inadvertently sharing more data than they intend.
What is the “One Step Ahead” initiative?
The “One Step Ahead” initiative is a collaborative effort by the Offices of Information Security, Information Systems & Computing, and Audit, Compliance & Privacy at the University of Pennsylvania, aimed at providing simple, actionable security and privacy advice to the university community.
What is Data Privacy Day?
Data Privacy Day is on January 28 and kicks off Data Privacy Month in February.
What is the “Need to Know” rule?
The “Need to Know” rule advises individuals to carefully consider the necessity of sharing Personally Identifiable Information (PII) data with any individual or entity before doing so.
Where can one find more resources for online privacy?
For more resources on online privacy, the bulletin recommends visiting staysafeonline.org and the University of Pennsylvania’s Office of Audit, Compliance & Privacy website at upenn.edu/oacp/privacy.
Key Features of “One Step Ahead: Be Aware of What You Share”
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Timely Release | Published on January 27, 2026, coinciding with Data Privacy Day (January 28) and the start of Data Privacy Month. |
| Core Message | Emphasizes being aware of and cautious about the personal information shared online, highlighting that data can be used beyond its intended audience. |
| Initiative Origin | Part of the University of Pennsylvania’s ongoing “One Step Ahead” series, a joint effort by Information Security, Information Systems & Computing, and Audit, Compliance & Privacy. |
| Past Topics Covered | Included guidance on Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Social Security Numbers (SSN), social media usage, and securing collaboration tools. |
| Key Principle | Reinforces the “Need to Know” rule for sharing PII. |
| Recommended Resources | Directs readers to staysafeonline.org and upenn.edu/oacp/privacy for further tips and guidance. |
| Publication Source | Featured in Volume 72 Number 21 of the University of Pennsylvania Almanac, the official journal of record for the university. |
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