Keep Your Information On Lock with IT@UC

Did you know that people bring an average three personal devices with them to UC’s campus every day? More and more devices means more places to store sensitive personal information like passwords, emails and fingerprints. It’s more important than ever to make sure your personal information is secure. IT@UC wants to help you secure your online information with an Information Security refresh. Follow these tips to keep your information safe.

Install Anti-virus software

Anti-virus software helps you prevent, detect and remove malicious software from your devices. UC offers

McAfee anti-virus software

at no additional cost, download it today!

Keep your emails protected

Brush up on email safety with this

IT@UC OIS blog post.

Some quick tips include:

1. Never share your private information (ex. –passwords, PINs, credit card info, etc.) via email.

2. Don't use shared computers.

3. Use a secure connection, like UC_Secure, when using the Internet.

Regularly update your passwords

Most password hackers use tools that can try millions of word variants per second, so the more algorithmically complex your password, the better. Keeping your password regularly updated will help protect your accounts and information.

Use

Password Self Service (PSS)

to keep your passwords updated at the university. And visit

this blog post

for tips on creating a strong password. Some things you might not want to use in your password include:

• Your name in any form -- first, middle, last, maiden, spelled backwards, nickname or initials.

• Any ID number or User ID in any form, even spelled backwards.

• The name of a close relative, friend, or pet.

• Your phone or office number, address, birthday, or anniversary.

• Acronyms, geographical or product names, and technical terms.

Don't get Phished!

Watch for

phishing scams

and report suspicious emails to

abuse@uc.edu

. Phishing scams are typically fraudulent email messages appearing to come legitimate enterprises that messages usually direct a user to a spoofed website or otherwise get the user to divulge private information (e.g., passphrase, credit card, or other account updates).

Pro tip: the university will never ask for any personal information in an email.

Turn on Two-Factor Authentication

As of November 1, 2017, UCFlex business users are required to use Duo two-factor authentication to log in. Two-factor authentication provides an extra layer of protection to online accounts. If someone is attempting to login as you, Duo will alert you immediately.

Duo two-factor authentication for UC Flex will become mandatory by Thursday, March 1. The Office of Information Security recommends using the Duo Mobile app as it provides the quickest, most secure experience. The Duo Mobile app works via push notification and can also provide a passcode when network or data connections are not available. If unable to add a smartphone or tablet, other options are available.

Enable Duo two-factor authentication

for UC Flex today!

If you notice any suspicious emails or other potential violations of UC’s Information Security standards, please report them to

abuse@uc.edu

. You can find a list of InfoSec standards and procedures at the

IT@UC Office of Information Security’s website

. The OIS website also has many other helpful tips for securing your information.