As each term begins, it can take some time to get back into your daily routine at Towson University. When you are caught up in creating syllabi, learning students? names and grading test papers, it is easy forget that your computer stores valuable information. At the Office of Technology Services (OTS), we want to make sure you are following the best practices by keeping your and your students? private information secure. Internet safety and security is vital to keep track of while working in a university environment. One simple, unknowing mistake can lead to important data into the wrong hands. Following these tips can help you have a safe and secure school year at Towson University:
Computer Security Tips
1. Don’t share your username and password: You should never share your Towson user ID or password with anyone, even if they are a trusted colleague. Any data you have under that user name such as personal information and students grades could be stolen. There is never a reason to share passwords.
2. Use a strong password: A strong password is at least nine characters long (preferably more) with a mix of numbers, upper and lowercase letters, and special characters like %, #, !. Do not use names, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, birth dates, anniversary dates, or words easily guessed.
3. Change your password regularly: You should be in the habit of changing your network account password on a regular basis- at least every 30 to 45 days
4. Be careful about file sharing: If you set up file and print sharing on your PC or Mac and share a folder on the network, please password protect it. Sensitive information should never be stored in a shared folder on your office computer.
5. Don’t install software on your office computer: This includes neat screen savers, on-screen fireworks programs, etc. Hackers often use these fun programs to deliver viruses or other malicious software. If your system were to be infected with a virus, valuable information could be used for harmful purposes.
6. Fight viruses: Make sure you have a working anti-virus program installed and that it is frequently updated.
7. Log out: Get into the habit of logging out whenever you step away from your desk. Crimes committed using your network account will be traced back to you. Be safe, log out.
8. Automate software updates: Many software programs will automatically connect and update to defend against known risks. Turn on automatic updates if it is an available option.
9. Plug & scan: USBs and other external devices can be infected by viruses and malware. Use your security software to scan them.
10. Back it up: Protect whatever valuable work you have, such as: grades, student information, personal information, etc., by backing up all of it on a separate device.
Safe Email Tips
1. Passwords: Treat your email account password as you would your network account password.
2. Beware of Phishing/Spam: If you receive an email from an address that you do not recognize and it is asking for personal or financial information from you, it may be a phishing/spam attempt. Do not open it or provide any information back to that email! If you receive an email on your school account that is not from a student or another faculty member that you know, report it to the OTS Help Desk immediately. When in doubt, call sender before you open the email.
3. Know where you’re going before you click: Be very careful following website links sent to you through email. If you are not sure of the website listed, do not click on the link. There are hostile sites or inappropriate sites that should not be visited.
4. Remember acceptable use: Never send inappropriate or illegal items through email. Email is not considered a private form of communication. It is not hard to capture email messages as they travel across the internet. A rule of thumb is to never send anything in an email you don’t want others to see.
5. Log out: Do not leave your email account logged in. Get into the habit of checking your email on a regular basis and logging out. This keeps your account safe and frees up resources for others.
If you need assistance with any of the guidelines above, you can contact the Faculty/Staff Help Center at x704-5151. You can also meet them in person in Cook 29.
