Halloween is here, and so are creepy creatures lurking in your inbox and software. These fright-proof habits will help to keep you, your accounts and University data safe.
All ITS-related resources can be found through the ITS Support Portal.
Passwords: Lock the crypt
A weak password leaves the door wide open. Instead:
- Use long passphrases (four-plus random words).
- Never reuse passwords across accounts.
- Set up a password manager to help remember the ones you use for different accounts.
Phishing: Trick or treat?
Not every message that lands in your inbox is sweet. Phishing is still the No. 1 way attackers access sensitive information, and it’s getting harder to spot.
To spot a phishy trap, follow these steps:
- Hover over links before clicking.
- Watch for urgency, odd senders and surprise attachments.
- Scams arrive by text and QR code, too.
When in doubt, report it to ITS. Flagging a suspicious message takes only a few clicks, and it helps protect your colleagues, too.
Software updates: Banish the zombies
Some things shouldn’t come back from the dead, like outdated apps and platforms. Old versions carry known weaknesses that attackers love to exploit.
Here’s what you can do to stay up to date:
- Turn on automatic updates.
- Restart when prompted (don’t keep snoozing).
- Delete apps you no longer use.
Update reminders aren’t just energy vampires. When you receive an alert, click “update,” restart, and send the zombies back to the grave.
More on Cybersecurity Awareness Month
The global initiative in October exists to raise awareness about online safety and empower people to protect themselves from cybercrime.
