Stay Safe Online While Working Remotely

Important Things to Remember:

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Professors, remember to keep your student’s grades confidential. Whether printed or electronic, they are considered ESU protected information.

  • Keep your PC up to date. When Windows, Adobe, or other apps tell you that an update is available, or ask you to restart, make time to let them update. This is the most powerful preventive for later security problems and performance issues.


  • NEVER store private information on a laptop or computer hard drive. Such protected information should remain only on ESU systems. If it must be stored separate from Banner or other secure systems, OneDrive is available for all employees and it is much more secure than local storage. Here's how to sync your OneDrive to your local computer for convenience of access.


    • NOTE: OneDrive is also a great way to ensure that your files are safe even if your device fails or gets lost, stolen, or irretrievably damaged.


  • The same email policies apply whether in-office or working remotely. Be vigilant when sending or receiving private information, like grades. Email should never be used for transmission of PII or PHI.


  • Be very careful with paper documents containing private information, whether you are taking them home to work on or printing them off-campus. While printing these documents is discouraged, there may be times when it is necessary. If you need to handle paper documents containing private information, keep them as secure as it is possible in your environment. Treat them as if each one contained your own social security number.


  • If using a personal device for work, especially if it is shared with anyone else, be sure to have a separate login account with a strong password for work activities.


  • Keep your device with you or secured when not in use. Report lost or stolen devices to IT or Police and Safety immediately if they are ESU own or contain private ESU information.


  • Please be mindful as you check your email that scammers are out in full force. Always use caution when answering mail and clicking on embedded links. If in doubt, please call the help desk or contact ITSecurity@emporia.edu and we will be glad to check for you. Any official communication from ESU will be branded as such. We are always glad to confirm by phone or email (ITSecurity@emporia.edu) whether communication you receive is legitimate. Our Phishing Database also contains examples of phishy emails, so check there for updates.

To stay current on Security recommendations and resources, please visit our Information Security Site.