October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM). The Office of Information Security in the Office of Technology Services (OTS) always encourages campus participation in promoting a safer, more secure and more trusted internet, but is especially focusing on efforts throughout this month.
This week’s NCSAM theme is From the Break Room to the Boardroom: Creating a Culture of Cyber security in the Workplace, and focuses on creating a culture of cyber security in the workplace through efforts like employee education, training and awareness, and by emphasizing risk management, resistance and resilience. A cyber attack can have damaging effects on a university. It can result in significant financial loss, threaten a university’s reputation, and affect its ability to operate. In today’s digital world, protecting a university against such cyber attacks is no longer solely the responsibility of the technology department. All employees have an important role to play in protecting Towson from cyber threats.Here is how you can protect TU:
Awareness
- Make your passwords complex. Use a combination of numbers, symbols, and letters (uppercase and lowercase). Change your passwords regularly, especially if you believe your password has been compromised. Use TU’s password guidelines to help you create the strongest password.
- Follow The Office of Information Security on Twitter @TowsonInfoSec.
Risk Management Awareness
- Review this month’s Security Awareness Video to create awareness on minimizing risk to the university.
- Follow recommendations regarding Mobile Device Security.
- Evaluate the risks of online work-related behavior using the Workplace Security Risk Calculator.
- Check your computer for known viruses and spyware using Free Security Check-ups and tools.
Resistance & Resilience
- Beware of phishing emails. Do not open emails, links, or attachments from strangers. Phishing attacks use email or malicious websites to infect your machine with malware in order to collect personal and financial information. Forward all phishing emails to phishing@towson.edu and delete the email.
- Report all suspicious activity. If you notice something seems off or unusual with your computer, report it immediately to the OTS Faculty/Staff Help Center.
Join OTS’ Office of Information Security for TU’s first Cyber Security Event on October 31. For event schedule and details visit www.towson.edu/securityawareness.
