The security threats on the internet are increasing and each of us has regulatory and compliance obligations. Whether it's mobile phones, tablets or computers, and whether you're connecting at a faculty, college or home, protect yourself and your data from the pitfalls of the internet.
1. Protect your devices
- Make sure your devices are running the newest vendor-supported operating systems (whether it's Windows 10, Android, macOS, iOS, or other).
- Enable automatic updates. Check that regularly to ensure that all updates have been applied.
- Ensure that all other apps are up to date and remove apps that you don't use anymore.
2. Protect your information
- Install and maintain reliable antivirus software (even for your mobile phones, Macs and Linux!).
- Use a password manager such as LastPass, 1Password, or KeePass, to generate and protect strong, unique passwords.
- Back up your information regularly.
- Consider using some encryption app such as VeraCrypt, or Cryptomator, to protect sensitive information and files.
3. Secure your home wi-fi
- Make sure that your router runs the newest firmware with all the security patches installed.
- Change the default admin username and password that allows to change router settings.
- Use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption for your home network.
4. Be aware of phishing and scams
- Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited e-mails and be wary of email attachments.
- Check every link you are about to click. Hover over the link with the mouse cursor and the status bar will reveal the real target of the link.
- Do not reveal any sensitive personal or financial information in e-mail. Never ever respond to e-mail solicitations for this information.
- Consider composing and displaying your e-mails in plain text. It's much safer.
- Be aware of COVID-19 related scams. Use trusted, legitimate sources, or government websites, for up-to-date and fact-based information about COVID-19.