Top 10 List for Cyber Security Awareness Month (October 2018)

cyber security picture

 

October 2018 is Cyber Security Awareness month. The movement began several years ago and quickly spread across the country! To help keep our #CapFam aware of the cyber threats to our everyday lives, the following top-10 list has been collected and developed:


Tip #1 – You are a target to hackers

Don’t ever say “It won’t happen to me”.  We are all at risk and the stakes are high – to your personal and financial well-being, and to Capital’s standing and reputation.

  • Keeping campus computing resources secure is everyone’s responsibility.
  • By following the tips below and remaining vigilant, you are doing your part to protect yourself and others

Tip #2 – Keep software up to date

Installing software updates for your operating system and programs is critical. Always install the latest security updates for your devices: (this includes your gaming devices, virtual assistants and Smart TVs)

  • Turn on Automatic Updates for your operating system.
  • Use web browsers such as Chrome or Firefox that receive frequent, automatic security updates.

Tip #3 – Avoid Phishing scams – beware of suspicious emails and phone calls

Phishing scams are a constant threat – using various social engineering(link is external) ploys, cyber criminals will attempt to trick you into divulging personal information such as your login ID and password, banking or credit card information.

  • Phishing scams can be carried out by phone, text, or through social networking sites – but most commonly by email.
  • Be suspicious of any official-looking email message or phone call that asks for personal or financial information.

Tip #4 – Practice good password management

We all have too many passwords to manage – and it’s easy to take short-cuts, like re-using the same password. Funny bit about passwords from Jimmy Kimmel

You can always update your Capital password by going to PWChange.

Here are some general password tips to keep in mind:

  • Use difficult to guess passwords.
  • Use a strong mix of characters, and never use the same password for multiple sites.
  • Don’t share your passwords and don’t write them down (especially not on a post-it note attached to your monitor).

Tip #5 –  Be careful what you click

Avoid visiting unknown websites or downloading software from untrusted sources.  These sites often host malware that will automatically, and often silently, compromise your computer.

If attachments or links in email are unexpected or suspicious for any reason, don’t click on it.

Tip #6 – Never leave devices unattended

The physical security of your devices is just as important as their technical security.

  • If you need to leave your laptop, phone, or tablet for any length of time – lock it up so no one else can use it.
  • If you keep sensitive information on a flash drive or external hard drive, make sure to keep these locked as well.
  • For desktop computers, lock your scree when not in use.

Tip #7 – Protect sensitive data

Be aware of sensitive data that you come into contact with and use on a daily basis. In general:

  • Keep sensitive data (e.g., SSN’s, credit card information, health information, etc.) off of your workstation, laptop, or mobile devices.
  • Securely remove sensitive data files from your system when they are no longer needed.
  • Always use encryption when storing or transmitting sensitive data.

Tip #8 – Use mobile devices safely

Considering how much we rely on our mobile devices, and how susceptible they are to attack, you’ll want to make sure you are protected:

  • Lock your device with a PIN or password – and never leave it unprotected in public.
  • Only install apps from trusted sources.
  • Keep your device’s operating system updated.
  • Don’t click on links or attachments from unsolicited emails or texts.
  • Avoid transmitting or storing personal information on the device.
  • Most handheld devices are capable of employing data encryption – consult your device’s documentation for available options.
  • Use Apple’s Find my iPhone(link is external) or the Android Device Manager(link is external) tools to help prevent loss or theft.
  • Backup your data.

Tip #9 – Install anti-virus protection

Only install an Anti-Virus (A/V) program from a known and trusted source.  Keep virus definitions, engines and software up to date to ensure your anti-virus program remains effective.

For personally-owned systems, there are a variety of free and lost-cost A/V programs available for virtually any device.

Tip #10 – Back up your data

Back up on a regular basis – if you are a victim of a security incident, the only guaranteed way to repair your computer is to erase and re-install the system.

(Top-10 list credit: UC Berkeley)