Tips to help you work online safely and securely

We face many of the same online risks at home as we do at work. Here are some steps you can take to create a more cyber secure home.

Updated Systems

As we rely more on working online, we want to avoid interruptions caused by vulnerabilities or malware infections. Ensuring your operating system, anti-virus, programs and mobile apps are all updated will help you tremendously in avoiding these interruptions.

Whenever possible enable automatic updates. This rule applies to almost any technology connected to a network, including not only your work devices but Internet-connected TV’s, baby monitors, security cameras, home routers, gaming consoles or even your car.

Home Wi-Fi

Securing your wireless network is a key part of protecting your home. While most home Wi-Fi devices are controlled by the Internet Provider, whenever possible, ensure that you:

• Change the default administrator password.
• Allow only people you know and trust on your Wi-Fi network.
• Make sure Wi-Fi passwords are strong and different from your administrator password

Kids and Guests

Whenever possible, make sure family and friends understand they cannot use your work devices. They can accidentally erase or modify your data, or, perhaps even worse, accidentally infect the device.

During these times of change, chances are that you will encounter a service or an account requiring a new password or changing an existing one. When you do, ensure to create a strong password and protect it using the following guidelines:

• One of the simplest ways to ensure that you have a strong password is to use a passphrase. A passphrase is nothing more than a password made up of multiple words.
• Use a unique passphrase for each service, device or online account. This way if one passphrase is compromised, all of your other accounts and devices are still safe.
• Use two-factor (also known as two-step) authentication whenever possible. This way, even if your passphrase is compromised, your account will remain protected because you did not grant the access.
• Can’t remember all those passphrases? Use a password manager, which is a specialized program that securely stores all your passphrases in an encrypted format.

Most schools moved to an eLearning model, where children stay and learn from home leveraging online formats. This is a fantastic opportunity for kids as they get to leverage the latest in technology.  But with these changes come potential risks.

As parents, we form the shield that protect our kids from online risks. The number one step we can take is to communicate with them and educate them about online presence and its risks.

Additionally, whenever possible, have a dedicated computer just for your kids. This way, they cannot accidentally infect your computer, which you may use for sensitive activities, such as banking online or taxes.

In this time of both dramatic change and an environment urgency, attackers increase their attempts to trick us into making a mistake, which will be made easier during a time of change and confusion. The most common indicators of a phishing or social engineering attack include:

1. Someone creating a tremendous sense of urgency, often through fear, intimidation, a crisis or an important deadline.

2. Pressure to bypass or ignore security policies or procedures, or an offer too good to be.

3. A message from a friend or co-worker in which the signature, tone of voice or wording does not sound like them.

For example, TAMUQ Technology Services is observing an uptake in phishing attempts taking advantage of the current unfortunate events to trick us into

1. Installing malware and viruses into our computers.

2. Divulging our work or personal account and password details.

3. Divulging personal and financial information.

4. Spreading of fake news and information.

Below are some examples of phishing emails abusing the current unfortunate events, which can help you spot and stop social engineering attacks.

Updates

• Staying up to date is the best defense against viruses and online threats.
• Keep your devices and programs updated with latest patches, including computers, mobile, WiFi devices.

Phishing

• We face same online risks at home as we do at work.
• Be wary of increased phishing abusing COVID-19 news.
• Be wary of emails with tremendous sense of urgency, fear, intimidation, or pressure.

Computer

• Dedicate a device for connecting to work whenever possible.
• Use University provided services to communicate and collaborate with your colleagues.

Passwords

• Use multiple words to create long passphrases.
• Use unique password for each account.
• Keep your passwords secret.
• Use two-step verification whenever possible.