During Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, we shared created a Jumbo Bingo contest with links to a broad range of topics including phishing, password security and password managers, tips for remote work, backing up data, secure email, vishing, and more.
In January, we are asking you to take the next steps with a focus on Data Privacy.
Post and share tips on social media using #PrivacyAware
Protecting Your Personal Information at Home and in the World
It is so important to learn how to best protect your personal information. Here are some tips for how best to do that at home and in the world.
Watch Video: Stay Safe Online's video "Data Privacy Day 2020: A Vision for the Future" shares some views and visions for the future given changes in the world.
You should be comfortable with 2FA from your use at Tufts. Now make sure to activate DUO for your personal information wherever it is available.
Make sure that you triggered a DUO alert before accepting it. You probably use two-factor authentication through DUO almost every day to access key Tufts services, whether it’s the VPN, eServe, Box, Canvas, or Qualtrics, and many others. DUO’s simply a part of your routine. Learn more.
- Learn About Password Managers
- A little humor of what not to do: Ellen Degeneres shares what not to do to manage your passwords in Very security password reminder, not funny that this is real!
- Auto-updates - Set Operating System (OS), web browsers and key applications to auto-update and restart your device daily.
- Accept Updates when prompted by a vendor.
Learn more on Updating and Protecting your Computer.
- Don't give out personal information (name, age, address, phone number, social security number)
- Don't open attachments from strangers (or people who appear to be friends) without scanning them with an up-to-date anti-virus program
- Use an online name that doesn't reveal your gender or age. A bad choice would be Mary_12; better names are "oaktree99", "grasshopper", and other gender and age neutral monikers.
- Set up a separate e-mail account for times that you must provide an e-mail address to then be able to trap unwanted "spam". Several free services like www.hotmail.com or www.yahoo.com are ideal for this. Be sure to set the options for maximum privacy when creating such an account.
Learn more about being careful about what your share online.
Protecting All of Your Personal Information at Tufts
While using Tufts resources at work, you'll want to ensure you are also protecting any personal information you may be accessing.
Here are some tips on how to best accomplish that.
You are required to use two-factor authentication (2FA) for most of Tufts services. Remember to also turn it on for your personal accounts to ensure you are protecting your personal information.
- Make sure to activate DUO for your personal information wherever it is available.
- Make sure that you triggered a DUO alert before accepting it. You probably use two-factor authentication through DUO almost every day to access key Tufts services, whether it’s the VPN, eServe, Box, Canvas, or Qualtrics, and many others. DUO’s simply a part of your routine. Learn more.
- When on campus, use Tufts_Secure. It is the only Tufts WiFi that provides an encrypted connection and it has added security protections. Remember to check what WiFi your device is using.
- To access Tufts_Secure, choose the network and sign in with your Tufts Username and Password. Please note that you may be prompted to log in each time you connect from a new location.
When working remotely, it is important to access the Tufts Virtual Private Network (VPN) to ensure you are on a secure network.
Restricted Information is the most sensitive information at Tufts. Examples include Social Security numbers, government ID numbers, student educational records, personal financial account information, human subject research data, and HIPAA protected data.
- Watch the online learning module: Stepping Up Your Game – 10 Key Strategies for Protecting Tufts' Most Sensitive Information
- Review the Tufts Restricted Information Guidelines
- Print out the Restricted Information Quick Guide
- Focus on what is needed
- Only use Secure Devices (see Securing Devices Checklist)
- Protect Information on Your Devices
- Only Use Tufts Approved (recommended and supported) Apps and Tools
- Restrict Your Use of Email
- Use Tufts_Secure Wifi on Campus and Tufts VPN off-campus
- Print and Scan with care
- Protect your paper documents
- Be prepared for rights requests
- Report possible data breaches and information security incidents