As we prepare for the new school year, we want to remind everyone about the importance of cybersecurity and protecting their online information. With learning and activities online, we must take steps to keep our devices, accounts, and data secure. Welcome back, Bantams!
Here are some tips to help you stay safe online!
Create strong passwords and keep them secret. Choose strong, secure passwords and keep them confidential. A good password should be at least 12 characters long and combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols—for example, something like “P@ssw0rdR3v!ved” (but don’t use this exact one). Alternatively, you can use a passphrase—a longer phrase that’s easy to remember and may include spaces, such as “Dancing Lions Roar!” Never share your passwords with anyone, and avoid using the examples provided here.
Be cautious of emails, text messages, and social media posts that request personal information. If you receive an unexpected message asking for sensitive details—such as your Social Security number, credit card information, or even a request to talk from someone claiming to be the President of the college—do not respond directly. Instead, verify the request by reaching out to the organization or individual using a trusted contact method, such as the phone number listed on their official website.
Be alert for back-to-school scams. At the start of the academic year, students are often targeted by scams aiming to steal money or personal information. Watch out for:
- Scholarship and financial aid scams
- Fake tuition payment services
- Textbook rental or book-buying scams
- Housing and roommate scams
- Bogus tutoring services
- Fraudulent job offers
- Fake file-sharing links claiming to be from services like Google Docs, OneDrive, Box, or Dropbox.
Keep your software updated. Install software updates as soon as they’re available. These updates often include critical security patches that protect your devices from malware and other threats.
Strengthen your security settings. Confirm you are utilizing multifactor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of protection in case your password is compromised. Going passwordless is the next generation of account security. Simple, fast, secure.
Be cautious with links and attachments. Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments in emails or texts from unknown senders. Malicious links and files can infect your device with malware. Some warnings about external users or possible job scams may be shown when opening these emails.
Report suspicious activity to LITS. If you receive a phishing email, encounter a suspicious website, or notice any unusual online activity, report it right away:
- Report Phishing Emails
- Email [email protected] to report suspicious activity
- Report a confirmed Incident
