Safe Computing Practices and Tips

Reduce the risk by learning how to protect devices and personal information while being connected to the Internet.

Beware of scams

• Phishing scams are a constant threat - using various social engineering ploys, cyber criminals will attempt to trick you into divulging personal information such as your login ID and password, banking or credit card information.
• They 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.
• Only click on links from trusted sources. Never click on an unfamiliar link unless you have a way to independently verify that it is safe. This includes tiny URL's and any link where you can't tell where it will take you.
• If attachments or links in email are unexpected or suspicious for any reason, don't click on it.

Protect your Passwords

• Never share your password with anyone and avoid writing them down. If you need to write them down, keep in a secure location.
• Password protect all your devices and your information.
• Don't use the same password for multiple accounts or devices.
• General password tips to keep in mind:
  • At least 8 characters in length
  • Difficult to guess (e.g. don't include personal information such as your username, names of family members, places, birthdays, addresses, etc.)
  • Contain a mixture of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols
  • To help make it easy for you to remember- think of a passphrase instead of a password.

Protect your Computer

• Make sure you have virus protection and it is up to date.
• Shut down or restart your computer at least weekly.
• Shut down or restart whenever your programs tell you to in order to install updates.
• If you get an antivirus alert that there is malware or a virus on your computer, please contact 651-793-1240 for assistance.
• Turn on Automatic Updates for your operating system.
• Use web browsers such as Chrome or Firefox that receive frequent, automatic security updates.
• Make sure to keep browser plug-ins (Flash, Java, etc.) up to date.

Protect Sensitive Data

• Keep it off your workstation, laptop or other devices if at all possible.
• Securely remove sensitive data files from your system when they are no longer needed.
• Always use encryption when storing or transmitting sensitive data.

Protect information when using the Internet and email

• Be careful what you do over wireless, especially if you're on public access wifi.
• Information and passwords sent via standard unencrypted wireless can be easy for hackers to intercept. Most public access wireless is unencrypted.
• Use only secure web pages when entering personal information online.
• Look for https not http in the URL to indicate there is a secure connection.
• Avoid unknown websites or downloading software from untrusted sources. These often contain malware that will automatically compromise your computer.
• If there is an attachment or link in an email that is suspicious for any reason, don't click it.

Use mobile devices safely

• Lock your device with a PIN or password - and never leave it unprotected in public.
• Only install app's 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 or the Android Device Manager tools to help prevent loss or theft.

Back up your data

• Back up your data on a regular basis
• Make backup copies of files or data that is important to you.

Workstation Security

• Shut down, lock, log off or put your computer/devices to sleep before leaving them unattended
• Set your computer and portable devices to automatically lock when they're not being used.
• Don't install or download unknown or unsolicited programs or apps to your computer or other devices.  These can contain behind the scenes viruses or open a back door giving others access to your device without your knowledge.
• Secure your area before walking away
• Lock up any portable equipment and sensitive material before you leave an area.
• Never share any of your access codes, cards or keys.