October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) and each week has a key security theme and related tips. K-State has activities planned throughout the month, in addition to national online events.
This first week, the theme is “STOP. THINK. CONNECT. Simple Steps to Online Safety”. Events this week include the “State of IT Security at K-State” presentation and two Twitter chats.
Mark your calendars for the State of IT Security at K-State, 1-1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 4, via Zoom webconference (join the conference a few minutes early so you don’t miss anything). Betsy Draper, associate vice provost in Information Technology Services, will discuss what K-State does to promote a secure IT environment and recent IT security events, such as the Equifax security breach.
NSCAM Twitter chats: Use #ChatSTC to join!
- Tuesday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. — A Global Kickoff to Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM)
For the first time, internationally renowned government and industry experts will gather to explore major cybersecurity issues during a daylong event hosted by the National Cyber Security Alliance and the Organization of American States. Event highlights include how to keep all global digital citizens safer and more secure online and how governments and the private sector can work together on a more secure and trusted internet. Plus, a look ahead to the benefits of a globally secure internet. - Thursday, Oct. 5, 2-3 p.m. — STOP. THINK. CONNECT. Simple Steps to Online Safety
Staying safe and secure online is our shared responsibility, and it’s critical for any internet user to continually learn about and consistently practice good cybersecurity habits. This Twitter chat will address the top consumer cybersecurity concerns, provide simple steps to protect against these threats, and teach you what to do if you fall victim to cybercrime.
7 tips for improving your cyber hygiene – and helping secure the internet for digital citizens around the world
- Lock down your login. Your usernames and passwords are not enough to protect key accounts like email, banking, and social media. Strengthen online accounts and use strong authentication tools – like biometrics, security keys or a unique, one-time code through an app on your mobile device – whenever offered.
- Keep a clean machine. Keep all software on internet-connected devices – including personal computers, smartphones and tablets – current to reduce risk of infection from ransomware and malware.
- When in doubt, throw it out. Links in email, tweets, posts and online advertising are often how cybercriminals try to compromise your information. If it looks suspicious, even if you know the source, it’s best to delete or, if appropriate, mark as junk.
- Back it up. Protect your valuable work, music, photos and other digital information by making an electronic copy and storing it safely. If you have a copy of your data and your device falls victim to ransomware or other cyber threats, you will be able to restore the data from a backup.
- Own your online presence. Set the privacy and security settings on websites to your comfort level for information sharing. It is OK to limit how and with whom you share information.
- Share with care. Think before posting about yourself and others online. Consider what a post reveals, who might see it and how it might affect you or others.
- Personal information is like money. Value it. Protect it. Information about you, such as purchase history or location, has value – just like money. Be thoughtful about who gets that information and how it is collected by apps, websites and all connected devices.
