Top 10 Cybersecurity Tips to Graduate Smart

The school year might be wrapping up, but your cybersecurity habits shouldn’t take a break. Whether you're heading home for the summer, starting a new job or graduating, these simple tips from the Department of Information Technology can help you keep your personal information safe—on and off campus.

1. Create Strong, Secure Passwords: Your password is your first line of defense against online threats. Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols—or better yet, a passphrase made up of unrelated words like "CoffeeTreeHouse#91." It is both stronger and easier to remember. Avoid reusing passwords across accounts and consider using a password manager to keep them safe. Follow these tips to protect your password.

2. Be Cautious of Suspicious Emails and Job Scams: Scam emails often look legitimate, especially those offering jobs or asking for urgent action. Always research the sender and verify job postings through official company websites or trusted platforms. Never share personal or financial information until you’ve confirmed the employer is genuine and you’ve received a formal offer. Follow these tips to avoid job scams.

3. Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Tasks: Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient but often insecure. Avoid logging into bank accounts, email or any sensitive accounts while using them. At Seton Hall, always use the secure Campus Wi-Fi network. Read the guide to connect to Campus Wi-Fi.

4. Avoid Oversharing on Social Media: Sharing your location, vacation plans or daily routines can make you vulnerable to identity theft or burglary. Review your privacy settings regularly and limit who can view your content. 

5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): 2FA adds a second layer of protection to your accounts. All Seton Hall users are required to enroll in Duo Two-Factor Authentication, which lets you verify your identity via push notification, text, phone call or an app generated passcode. Enable 2FA on all personal accounts to further safeguard your information. Enhance your Seton Hall account security with Duo.

6. Keep Apps and Software Up to Date: Software updates often include security patches that protect against the latest threats. Enable automatic updates on your devices and restart them regularly to ensure updates are applied. Back up your data to the cloud or an external drive in case of system failure. Follow these tips for restarting your devices.

7. Protect Personal Information: Only access sensitive information like banking or health portals on secure devices and networks. Avoid entering personal data on borrowed devices or over an untrusted Wi-Fi network. Your data is most secure when you’re in control of the connection. Follow these tips for device security.

8. Shop Online Safely: When shopping online, always check for HTTPS and the lock icon in the address bar. Use secure payment methods like credit cards or PayPal and avoid unfamiliar sites or offers that seem too good to be true. Follow these tips for a safe and secure shopping experience.

9. Don’t Fall for Smishing: Smishing refers to fraudulent text messages that appear to come from your bank, school or other trusted sources. These messages often urge you to click on links or verify personal information. Never respond to suspicious texts. Instead, verify the request through the organization’s official website or phone number, and delete the message if it seems suspicious. Follow these tips to protect yourself from smishing.

10. Stay Alert and Think Before You Click: Cyberattacks often rely on users making quick decisions—clicking a link, opening an attachment or downloading a file. If something feels off, take a step back and verify its source. Be cautious about plugging unknown devices (like USB drives) into your computer, as they could contain malware.

Cybersecurity is an ongoing effort. Staying alert, following best practices and thinking before you click can go a long way in protecting your personal information. If you ever notice suspicious activity, receive a potential scam message or believe your account may have been compromised, immediately contact the Department of Information Technology by submitting a service desk ticket on the Technology Service Desk portal. 

Categories: Science and Technology