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By Bridget Brown, Technology Integration
Would you be comfortable living in a house that someone else had the key to? Would you feel safe, or trust that your privacy was secure in that house? The internet is that house, and so, it is important that you are knowledgeable about the dangers that may exist so that you can feel equipped in knowing how to protect yourself and be cyber smart. Here are a few ways you can improve the security of your computer and private information.
- Safely manage your password
- Create and maintain a strong password
- Consider using a passphrase- (ie: iTe@ch)
- Never share your password
- Avoid reusing the same password for multiple accounts
- Never store your password where others can see it
Safely manage Email
Avoid using your Westside Email for personal business
NEVER open attachments from an untrusted source
Avoid clicking on links in an email from an untrusted source
Avoid providing your user ID or password or any confidential information in an email, or in a response to an email
Be wary of phishing scams-here are a few signs of a phishing email:
- Urgent action required. Spammers often include urgent "calls to action" to try to get you to react immediately. Be wary of emails containing phrases like "your account has been compromised," or "urgent action required." The fraudster is taking advantage of your concern to trick you into providing confidential information.
- Generic greeting. Spammers often send thousands of phishing emails at one time. They may have your email address, but they seldom have your name. Be skeptical of an email sent with a generic greeting
- Check the Web address. Just because the address looks OK, don't assume you're on a legitimate site. Look in your browser's URL bar.
Secure your computer
- Lock your computer when unattended
- Install and update antivirus software regularly
- Make informed and safe decisions prior to installing or downloading software
- Log off or shutdown when not in use
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