October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The Department of Homeland Security created Cybersecurity Awareness Month to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and to ensure that all individuals have the information and tools to be safer and more secure online. Below are eight tips you can put into action now.
Tip No. 1: Make a long, unique passphrase
A passphrase is a sentence that is at least 12 characters long that you would use in place of a password. For example: TommyTitanIsMy#1Hero!
Tip No. 2: Use two-factor or multi-factor authentication
Use two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever offered. If MFA is not enabled on your Detroit Mercy email account, contact helpdesk@udmercy.edu to have this security feature turned on.
Tip No. 3: When in doubt, throw it out
Be wary of clicking on links or downloading anything that comes from someone you don’t know or that you were not expecting. Don’t trust links!
Tip No. 4: Keep a clean machine
Configure your devices — computers, smartphones and tablets — to automatically update or notify you when a security update is available.
Tip No. 5: Back it up
Protect your work by making an electronic copy and storing it safely. If your device falls victim to a cyber threat or hardware failure, you will be able to restore your data from a backup.
Tip No. 6: Secure your online presence
Every time you sign up for a new account, create a new group — including Office365 Teams and Groups — download a new app or get a new device, configure the security and privacy settings appropriately. Check these settings at least once a year.
Tip No. 7: Share with care
Think before posting about yourself and others online. Consider what a post reveals, who might see it and how it might affect you and others.
Tip No. 8: Get savvy about Wi-Fi hotspots
Public wireless networks and hotspots are not secure, which means that anyone could potentially see what you are doing on your laptop or smartphone while you are connected to them. Limit what you do on public Wi-Fi and avoid logging in to key accounts, such as email and financial services.