Cybersecurity & Safe Computing

Safe computing practices are a combination of computer software and security settings. Be safe online and follow these tips to help you protect your computer and your information.

Staying Safe Online

• Use a Password Manager

  • Passwords shouldn't be written on sticky notes, stored in email or saved in plain old documents. A password manager is a secure app that keeps passwords encrypted and backed up for safekeeping. Find out more about the Password Mangers availible to you through SJSU!

• Multi-Factor Authentication

  • SJSU has now completly transitioned to requiring a second factor of authentication when loggin in. Multi-Factor Authentication requires at least a second additional login step before you can access an account after proving your username and password. It combines something you know (your password) with something you have (a key or code), keeping you safer online. Find out more about SJSU's adoption of Duo Multi-Factor Authentication on our Duo Website.

• Generate Secure Passwords

  • The best password is the one you don't know. Use a password generator to create long, complex passwords, and use a different password for every single account. 

• Don't Remember Me

  • Don't select the "remember me" option on websites. Always logout when you're finished using your device, and let a password manager remember all your passwords and login for you next time.

• Stay Up to Date

  • Software updates contain important security and usability improvements. Always update browsers, apps and your operating system promptly so that old bugs don't give hackers a way into your devices.

• Browse on HTTPS

  • Using HTTP means that anyone can spy on the data you're sending over the web, making it easier for someone to steal your username and password. Look for HTTPS for a secure connection on the web.

• Lock Your Screen

  • Keep prying eyes away from your computer and mobile devices with automatic lock screens. Set your screen to time out after a few minutes of inactivity and require a PIN or passcode to get back in to your device.

• Be Stingy with Permissions

  • Before you download that app or sign up for that new website, read the privacy and permissions policy so you understand how it plans to store your data.

Protect Your Personal Information

• Protect Your Identity

  • Limit the amount of personal information you share or provide. The following is a list of information that you should not post online:

    - Address (city and state may be safe) do not post your Residence Hall, sorority house address or even your home address
    - Your class schedule or where you work
    - Social Security Number
    - Birthday (if you do list it, post month and day only, and leave out the year)
    - Cell phone number or home phone number
    - Passwords or account information

• Secure Your Accounts

  • Ask for protection beyond passwords. Many account providers now offer additional ways for you verify your identity before you conduct business on that site.

• Make Passwords Long and Strong

  • Combine capital and lowercase letters with numbers and symbols to create a more secure password.

• Unique Account, Unique Password

  • Separate passwords for every account helps to thwart cybercriminals.

• Write It Down and Keep It Safe

  • Everyone can forget a password. Keep a list that's stored in a safe, secure place away from your computer.

• Own Your Online Presence

  • When available, set the privacy and security settings on websites to your comfort level for information sharing. It's ok to limit how and with whom you share information.

Mobile Security Tips

• Use Strong Passwords

  • Change any default passwords on your mobile device to ones that would be difficult for someone to guess. Use different passwords for different programs and devices. Do not choose options that allow your device to remember your passwords.

• Keep Software Up-to-Date

  • Install updates for apps and your device's operating system as soon as they are available. Keeping the software on your mobile device up to date will prevent attackers from being able to take advantage of known vulnerabilities.

• Disable Remote Connectivity

  • Some mobile devices are equipped with wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth, that can connect to other devices. Disable these features when they are not in use.

• Be Careful What You Post and When

  • Wait to post pictures from trips and events so that people do not know where to find you. Posting where you are also reminds others that your house is empty.

• Guard Your Mobile Device

  • To prevent theft and unauthorized access, never leave your mobile device unattended in a public place and lock your device when it's not in use.

• Know Your Apps 

  • Review and understand the details of an app before downloading and installing it. Be aware that apps may request access to your location and personal information. Delete any apps that you do not use regularly to increase your security.

• Avoid Unsecured WiFi

  • Attackers use wireless sniffers to eavesdrop on data-in-transit and steal users’ information sent over unsecured, open networks. Whenever possible, opt for a WiFi network that is protected by a password or account login. If you don't have those options, consider using a mobile hotspot or connecting through a secure VPN.

Applications

Free Sophos Anti-Virus Software

A cross-platform security solution featuring antivirus, client firewall, Network Access Control and data encryption visible in one simplified, cloud-based console.

Learn more about Sophos: What You Need to Know about Sophos Antivirus Software & Sophos Home Premium Antivirus Software

Duo Two-Factor (MFA) Authentication

A security application that requires two methods (known as factors) to verify your identity before accessing your system. These factors may include a username and password in combination with a smartphone app to approve authentication requests.

Once MFA is activated on your device, it authenticates anywhere and anytime, making it much more difficult for unauthorized users to exploit weak or stolen credentials and gain access to your system or data.

Access Duo MFA, plus instructions and more on What You Need to Know about MFA.

Sophos Central Device Encryption

An automatic full disk encryption security application that transparently protects your data against malware, theft, and accidental data loss. Continuously validates your identity, application, and device using Windows BitLocker and Mac FileVault without disruption to your workflow.

Your data stays encrypted even if it’s shared or uploaded to a cloud-based, file-sharing system.

Properly Dispose of Level 1 & Level 2 Data

Secure Media Disposal

SJSU IT has a free HIPAA, PCI-DSS and NSA-certified device shredding service for all electronic media, including: hard drives, SSDs, thumb drives, and cell phones. Any devices, components, or electronic media containing confidential Level 1 or Level 2 data must be destroyed by an approved data destruction process.

Security is everyone’s business in the SJSU community. It has to be in order to keep us all safe from cyber attacks.

Student/faculty/staff safety, personal information, trade secrets, our networks, etc. are all vulnerable in today’s digital world, so we must all work together to keep SJSU and our community as safe as possible.

The steps above are easy to take. We promise you that the old adage is true: “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” If you havent been hacked yourself, ask a friend who has. The time, cost, and trouble to recover can translate to hundreds, thousands and even millions of dollars.

Submit a help ticket request.