Donuts Have Holes, Information Security Should Not!

By becoming aware of possible threats and vulnerabilities, you help to protect UCSC as well as yourself. Stay secure and evade cybercrime and common threats by securing your devices. 

Donuts have holes, but information security should not! Here are five ways to plug possible vulnerabilities  and to help secure your digital life. 

1. Physically protect your computer from theft:

• Hackers are not the only threat causing computers to get breached – physical safety is just as important as cyber security. Computers are stolen all the time!
• Use a cable lock up and don’t leave your laptop unattended in the library, office or car.

 2. Password protect your device: 

• Protect all devices with strong passwords. Use a password manager, and maintain unique passwords for each account.
• Set up your screensaver with a password that activates after 15 minutes of inactivity and manually lock the device before leaving it unattended.

 3. Use Eduroam:

• Eduroam is a free encrypted wireless service at UCSC that allows students, faculty, staff, and visitors from other participating institutions, to connect securely to the Internet.
• Set up your computer and mobile devices to use Eduroam 

 4. Use Campus Virtual Private Network (VPN):

• Campus VPN is a free service that enables a secure connection to the UCSC network from off campus. VPN encrypts your data against potential intruders.
• Set up all computers and mobile devices to use Campus VPN and connect when you are located off campus.

 5. Use anti-malware:

• Install anti-malware software on your computer to protect against malicious software. This software will scan your computer and alert you on harmful software.
• Devices enrolled in Managed Computer Services automatically receive anti-malware. UCSC also offers free anti-malware software for faculty, staff and students. 

For more information on how you can make secure choices, visit https://its.ucsc.edu/security/stay-secure.html