October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, a global effort to help everyone stay safe and protected when using technology. While cyber security can seem overwhelming, this month Information Resources & Technology will be focusing on simple steps you can take to defend your online life.
There are all kinds of ways to stay safe and secure online but even just practicing these four basics can make a huge difference:
- Enable two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts. At Rowan University, we use Duo two-factor authentication to protect your Rowan NetID.
- Use strong passwords. Passwords are your first line of defense in protecting your data. By creating strong passwords for each of your accounts, you make it harder for someone who isn't you to access your information online.
- Update your software. Regularly restart your computer and keep all software and third-party applications up to date to reduce risk of infection from ransomware and malware. Here’s how to check for updates on Rowan-managed computers.
- Recognize and report phishing. Use our tips for spotting phishing scams to help protect yourself. If you receive a suspicious email, check our list of known scams to see if it's a scam we've identified. If not, report the scam to support@rowan.edu.
We will be sharing more tips for warding off potential cyber attacks throughout the month on our website and social media accounts, so make sure to visit go.rowan.edu/ncsam and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
Cyber security is everyone’s responsibility, and we look forward to helping you learn how to stay safe online!