Security Tip Summary

Reducing Risk of Social Engineering:

• Remember hackers first try to gain your trust through a fabricated scenario.
• Don’t get caught by a phisher.
• Spear phishers target you after they have gained your trust by knowing something about you (e.g. your username, password, where you work, what you do, name drop, pretend to be your boss or work for human resources).
• Watch for red flags such as asking for quick action to avoid a negative action or you don’t know the person emailing you.

Apps and Websites:

• Don’t download an app from browsing the online store to your cell; the risk of malware is great.
• Watch the sites you visit. There are some that have malicious intent and can cause you to inadvertently download malware. At work, stick to work-related sites you know are secure. We provide updated virus protection; do this at home as well.

Connecting in Public:

• Be careful when connecting to public Wifi.
• Be careful when connecting your device to charge with USB charging stations; it’s much safer to use your power cord into an electrical outlet.

Social Media:

• Sharing travel information is helpful to criminals.
• Before you post, think about if the information would be helpful for someone trying to con you, a family member or a friend.

Increasing Physical Security:

• Watch for tailgaters; people who enter with you through locked doors who pretend they below. These people commonly pretend keycard not working, wearing a uniform, or participate in small talk and ask questions about your work. Please have them enter through the main offices.
• Don’t plug in a USB/Flash/Thumb drive unless absolutely necessary and from a trusted source; use online storage instead (e.g. Google Drive).
• Lock your computer when you walk away from it.

Remember hackers require you to take an action to be successful. Most importantly, stop, look and think before clicking that link!