Mobile Devices Won't Secure Themselves!

Mobile security at one time meant using a laptop lock and keeping tabs on your phone. However, the growing capabilities and use of mobile devices — coupled with the ubiquity of smart devices stitched into the very fabric of our daily lives (figuratively and literally) — now require a more sophisticated defense-in-depth approach to match the growing threat. Following are a few things you can do to protect your devices and personal information on campus, at home, or at work.

• Secure your devices with a strong password, pattern, or biometric authentication. Check the settings for each device to enable a screen-lock option. For home routers, reset the default password with a strong one.
• Install anti-malware. Some software includes features that let you do automatic backups and track your device.
• Check your Bluetooth and GPS access. Disable these settings on all devices when not needed and avoid using them in public areas.
• Update your devices often. Install operating system and application updates when they become available.
• Review phone apps regularly. Remove any apps you don’t use. Be selective when buying or installing new apps. Install only those from trusted sources and avoid any that ask for unnecessary access to your personal information.
• Treat devices like cash! Don’t let your devices out of your sight or grasp. Maintain physical control of your device in public areas. Get a lock (alarmed is best) for your laptop and use it.
• Keep it sunny in the cloud. Whether using Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, iCloud, Amazon Drive, or any of the many cloud options, set privacy restrictions on your files to share them only with those you intend. Protect access to your cloud drive with two-factor authentication.
• Create a secure wireless network. Configure your wireless router to protect your bandwidth, identifiable information, and personal computer. Secure it with proper set up and placement, router configuration, and a unique password, using the strongest encryption option. See http://www.wi-fi.org/ for more tips.
• Protect your Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Are you sharing your livestreaming nanny cam with the world? Review privacy settings for all Internet-ready devices before connecting them to the web.

Partially reposted from:  https://er.educause.edu/blogs/2016/11/december-2017-your-mobile-devices-wont-secure-themselves

Protect Yourself and Your Identity

In light of the recent Equifax breach, ITS wants to remind our campus community to be aware of steps you can take to protect yourself.
According to the US Department of Justice, more than 17 million Americans were victims of identity theft in 2014. EDUCAUSE research shows that 21 percent of respondents to the annual ECAR student study have had an online account hacked, and 14 percent have had a computer, tablet, or smartphone stolen. Online fraud is an ongoing risk. The following tips can help you prevent identity theft.

• Read your credit card, bank, and pay statements carefully each month. Look for unusual or unexpected transactions. Remember also to review recurring bill charges and other important personal account information.
• Review your health insurance plan statements and claims. Look for unusual or unexpected transactions.
• Shred it! Shred any documents with personal, financial, or medical information before you throw them away.
• Take advantage of free annual credit reports. In the US, the three major credit reporting agencies provide a free credit report once a year upon request.
• If a request for your personal info doesn’t feel right, do not feel obligated to respond! Legitimate companies won’t ask for personal information such as your social security number, password, or account number in a pop-up ad, e-mail, text, or unsolicited phone call.
• Limit the personal information you share on social media. Also, check your privacy settings every time you update an application or operating system (or at least every few months).
• Put a password on it. Protect your online accounts and mobile devices with strong, unique passwords or passphrases.
• Limit use of public Wi-Fi. Be careful when using free Wi-Fi, which may not be secure. Consider waiting to access online banking information or other sensitive accounts until you are at home.
• Secure your devices. Encrypt your hard drive, use a VPN, and ensure that your systems, apps, antivirus software, and plug-ins are up-to-date.

If you become a victim of identity theft:

• File a report with the US Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov
• Use the identity theft report to file a police report. Make sure you keep a copy of both reports in a safe place.
• Flag your credit reports by contacting the fraud departments of any one of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax (800-525-6285), Experian (888-397-3742), or TransUnion (800-680-7289).

Partially reposted from: https://www.educause.edu/focus-areas-and-initiatives/policy-and-security/cybersecurity-initiative/community-engagement/security-awareness

Don’t Be Fooled! Protect Yourself and Your Identity

According to the US Department of Justice, more than 17 million Americans were victims of identity theft in 2014. EDUCAUSE research shows that 21 percent of respondents to the annual ECAR student study have had an online account hacked, and 14 percent have had a computer, tablet, or smartphone stolen. Online fraud is an ongoing risk. The following tips can help you prevent identity theft.

• Read your credit card, bank, and pay statements carefully each month. Look for unusual or unexpected transactions. Remember also to review recurring bill charges and other important personal account information.
• Review your health insurance plan statements and claims. Look for unusual or unexpected transactions.
• Shred it! Shred any documents with personal, financial, or medical information before you throw them away.
• Take advantage of free annual credit reports. In the US, the three major credit reporting agencies provide a free credit report once a year upon request.
• If a request for your personal info doesn’t feel right, do not feel obligated to respond! Legitimate companies won’t ask for personal information such as your social security number, password, or account number in a pop-up ad, e-mail, text, or unsolicited phone call.
• Limit the personal information you share on social media. Also, check your privacy settings every time you update an application or operating system (or at least every few months).
• Put a password on it. Protect your online accounts and mobile devices with strong, unique passwords or passphrases.
• Limit use of public Wi-Fi. Be careful when using free Wi-Fi, which may not be secure. Consider waiting to access online banking information or other sensitive accounts until you are at home.
• Secure your devices. Encrypt your hard drive, use a VPN, and ensure that your systems, apps, antivirus software, and plug-ins are up-to-date.

If you become a victim of identity theft:

• File a report with the US Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov
• Use the identity theft report to file a police report. Make sure you keep a copy of both reports in a safe place.
• Flag your credit reports by contacting the fraud departments of any one of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax (800-525-6285), Experian (888-397-3742), or TransUnion (800-680-7289).

Partially reposted from: https://www.educause.edu/focus-areas-and-initiatives/policy-and-security/cybersecurity-initiative/community-engagement/security-awareness