Keep Home Networks Secure

Simple Steps Go A Long Way

Information security is not possible without the your cooperation. You can have the best technology in the world protecting end-users in every way and still suffer a security breach!  The tips below can help you keep your information, the Campus information, and devices protected against unwanted visitors.

Computers & Devices

• Keep your Operating System and all applications up-to-date, opt in for automatic updates
• Install an AntiVirus program and opt in for automatic updates
• Use your AV software to inspect USBs and other external devices which may be infected by viruses and malware.
• Always log out once you are done
• Set your mobile devices to lock after a short idle time, and set it to require authentication for unlocking. Use something other than a four-digit PIN
• Verify your privacy settings on mobile devices and social media
• Install apps only from trusted and official sources
• Be very careful what apps you choose to install and pay special attention to what permissions each app is requesting. (for example: request access to contacts, photos, location)
• Create an emergency boot disk for your computer and keep it in a safe place
• Avoid rooting or jailbreaking your device
• Refuse to purchase poorly-protected devices or devices that can't easily be updated, or no security updates are provided by manufacturer

Browsers & Data

• Backup your Documents folder and all directories you save your data in it regularly
• Take extra care when installing “Free software”, they always come at a price, most frequently by side installing adware, browser extensions or other software
• Be careful what you download, and ask questions about the site you are downloading from
• Enable “click to play” for Flash on your browser, so contents need a click to play
• If you have multiple users on your device, log out of your browser when done or set up separate accounts for the device
• Keep your browser up to date with software
• Clear your browser cache regularly
• Check for HTTPS and use it for purchasing or entering account / user information
• Research brower extensions before installing

WiFi Services

• Use OpenDNS for DNS name resolution
• Use a VPN connection, when on a public network like Starbucks
• Turn OFF Wi-Fi, Location Services, and Bluetooth when not in use
• Never trust a "free" WiFi to install programs or browse without https

Accounts & Online Activity

• When banking and shopping, Make sure the site is safe. Look for web addresses with “https:”. “http:” is not secure
• Never shop or bank using unsecured Wi-Fi networks
• Sign up for text notification for all purchases
• Always review your monthly statements
• Setup a virtual credit/debit cards with purchase limits if your bank offers it
• Provide a secondary email address and mobile phone number while signing up. If you get hacked, you can recover your password from there.
• Use Strong, Unique passwords for every device and website. Biometrics if supported.
• Use multi-factor authentication on sites you store your private and sensitive data
• Consider separate accounts on your computer for each individual
• Use a less-targeted browser such as Chrome or Firefox
• Assume everything you put on a social networking site is permanent
• Delete old and inactive online accounts
• Don’t make your photos or videos public on the Internet. Keep them visible only to people you know personally
• Don’t save your credit/debit card information on websites