Many cyberattacks can be prevented if you take a moment to consider your actions and potential consequences to yourself and the greater university community. Here are ten tips to help you stay cybersafe.
Create strong passwords
Make a lengthy password using a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters. Use different passwords for different sites and consider using a password manager, such as LastPass, to store your passwords. Also, never share your password with anyone.
Know how to identify phishing attempts
Be wary of emails or calls that require "immediate action" or ask for personal information. Carefully inspect links to make sure they point to a reputable site before clicking and never respond to messages asking for your username and password. Report suspicious emails to abuse@fsu.edu.
Use 2FA
FSU offers 2-factor authentication (2FA) for myFSU HR, FSU email and other university applications. Consider adding 2FA to other sites or applications when available, such as your personal email or social media accounts. This extra layer of security requires you to verify your identity twice before accessing your account and can protect you from having your email hijacked or your paycheck redirected.
Lock your devices
Never leave your devices unattended. Password protect your phone or tablet and log off or lock your screen every time you step away from your computer.
Protect personal information
Sensitive browsing, such as banking or shopping, should be done only on a device that belongs to you and on a network you trust. Do not use a coworker’s phone, public computer or coffee shop’s Wi-Fi, as your data could be copied or stolen. Do not store personally identifiable information—such as employee Social Security numbers, credit card numbers or student email addresses—on your computer unless it is in an encrypted file.
Limit activities on public Wi-Fi
On campus, always connect to the FSUSecure network. When traveling, either use your cellular network, Eduroam or a virtual private network (VPN) to get secure internet access. If you must use a public network, make sure it is reputable and refrain from accessing sensitive information, such as online banking.
Back up your computer
Talk with the IT support staff in your unit and make sure there is a plan in place to back up your files and data regularly. ITS recommends storing university files to OneDrive, which gives you 5TB of encrypted cloud storage and protects you from losing all your work or research in the event of a ransomware attack.
Monitor your accounts
If you start seeing suspicious activity or something unfamiliar, it could be a sign your account has been compromised. This could be emails in your sent folder you did not send or charges to a credit card you did not make.
Be alert
Always be alert! Use common sense and when clicking links, opening attachments, visiting websites or responding to emails and phone calls. Be conscious of what you plug into your computer, as malware can be spread through infected flash drives, external hard drives and cellphones.
