INFORMATION SECURITY TIPS

COMPUTERS AND LAPTOPS

• Lock your computer before leaving it unattended. Pressing CTRL + ALT + DELETE and then "Enter" locks your computer and eliminates the ability for anyone to see information on your monitor. This is especially important if your computer or monitor is located in a public area.



• When you are at home and not using your computer, either turn if off or physically disconnect it from the Internet.  The more your computer is online the more time it is vulnerable to scanning and penetration.

• The rapid increase in laptop computing has made portable systems a prime target for thieves.  Read “9 Ways to Increase the Security of Your Laptop While on the Road.”

IDENTITY THEFT

• Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft. Regularly check your bank, credit and debit card statements to ensure that all transactions are legitimate. If anything is suspicious or you don't recognize the transaction, contact your bank and all card issuers.



• Pay attention to privacy policies.  Before submitting your name, email address, or other personal information on a web site, look for the site's privacy policy. This policy should state how the information will be used and whether or not the information will be distributed to other organizations. Look for indications that you are being added to mailing lists by default—failing to deselect those options may lead to unwanted spam..

MOBILE PHONES

• Be Aware of Text and Mobile Phone Phishing Scams. Phishers are now using cell phone text messages to try and get you to divulge your personal information. The text message tells you that your bank account has been compromised or your ATM card has been deactivated. The message asks you to call a number or go to a fake Web site to resolve the problem. After calling the number or going to the web site, you are asked to give personal identifying information about your account.



• Smart phones ( Blackberries, iPhones, etc.) offer many benefits and  conveniences, but they also pose security risks to you and/or your organization.   If the option is available use the password feature to access your device. 

THE INTERNET

• Be very careful in using “free” software on the Internet.   These programs can display unwanted ads and slow your computer down.  In worst cases, they can be infected by viruses or spyware that are intended to damage your PC or steal confidential information.

PASSWORDS

• Protect your passwords. Writing down a password and leaving it around your desk is about as secure as leaving a $20 bill lying on the front seat of your car.



• Don't check "remember my password" boxes.  It's best to retype your password each time you log in to eliminate the possibility that someone will be able to steal or use the information.   Numerous programs offer the option to remember your password, but have no built-in security measures.



• Sharing passwords - Don't be too trusting of others.  Keep your ArgoNet password to yourself.  Sharing it means you're exposing salary, benefits, and other personal information to someone else!  

PHISHING

• Think you can spot a fake email?  Test your expertise by taking the 10 question Phishing IQ quiz. Click "Start the Test".



• There is no legitimate reason why anyone would give you a check or money order and ask you to wire money anywhere in return." Watch common scamming methods and listen to victim interviews.



• Exercise caution when receiving unexpected email and attachments. Over 85% of email received by UWF is identified as spam and blocked before delivery, however due to the high volume of fraudulent email on the Internet, harmful email may still arrive in your mailbox. Being aware about email and attachments is every bit as important as antivirus filters and firewalls.



• According to McAfee, Bank of America, eBay, and PayPal are the top three US brands exploited by phishing scams.  Please be cautious when receiving any email asking for account information.  If you are unsure if the email you received is legitimate, visit the company website directly, phone the company, or contact their Customer Services to confirm that they sent the mail.  More information available at the McAfee Threat Center.



• Today’s unsettling economic times has created new opportunities for phishers. Current popular scams include phishing e-mails that look like they are coming from your bank, savings & loan company, or mortgage holder asking for personal information that they need to complete a pending merger or acquisition. Do not response to these emails; instead contact your financial institution directly and determine if they are really asking for this information.

SOCIAL NETWORKING

• Social networking sites are forecasted to experience increased security threats in 2010.  McAfee Labs and other security providers predict that in 2010 Facebook and other social networking sites will see an increase in attempts to steal personal information.   See Microsoft’s “11 tips for social networking safety” for help on avoiding these scams.



• E-mail and phishing scammers count on the appealing sense of trust that is often fostered at social networking sites to steal your personal information. The more you reveal in profiles and posts, the more vulnerable you are to scams, spam, and identity theft. For more information, view the video “How to Protect Your Identity”.
  
  
• Be careful about the information you reveal about your workplace or company on your social networking site. Learn more about how to protect your privacy in online communities.



• Is your child one of the over 15 million teens participating in social networking? Visit McAfee parent’s guide about keeping your kids safe when they socialize online.

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS

• Protect Your Social Security Number. Many places use social security numbers for user identification. Ask to use an alternate identification if possible. Don't print your social security number on personal checks. Your Social Security number is the key to most of your financial information which makes it a prime target for criminals.



• Do not routinely carry your social security card. Show your card to your employer when you start a job so your records are correct. Provide your Social Security number to your financial institution(s) for tax reporting purposes. Keep your card and any other document that shows your Social Security number on it in a safe place.

SPYWARE

• Are you wise to spyware?  Rate your knowledge about computer crime.



• Don't click on links within pop-up windows. Pop-up windows are often a product of spyware, and clicking on the window may install spyware software on your computer. To close the pop-up window, click on the "X" icon in the title bar instead of a "close" link within the window.  Learn more about recognizing and avoiding spyware at the US Department of Homeland Security.
  
  
• The best defense against spywareis to prevent it from getting on your computer in the first place.  For more information, see Safety Tips from the Anti-Spyware Coalition.



• Is your computer running slowly?  Has your browser’s default home page mysteriously changed?  Are you receiving annoying or fishy pop-up ads?  You might have spyware!  For more information on the symptoms of spyware and how to prevent it go to Getnetwise.