Securing E-Mail

Following are a few reminders on online safety and taking control of your digital systems. There is no way we can know/warn you in advance about ALL attempts to take advantage of you, but by following a few simple rules, you can greatly diminish the risk to yourself and our data. Connected devices on our network receive most if not all the care and feeding required to maintain a healthy system, but it doesn't hurt to be reminded of the basics for systems you administer on wireless or at home.

(A) COMPUTERS: For basic information on computer security...

1) Keep Your software Firewall Turned On

2) Install or Update Your Antivirus Software

3) Install or Update Your Antispyware Technology

4) Keep Your Operating System Up to Date <Talk to your IT Staff!>

5) Be Careful What You Download

6) Be Careful Where You Go!

(B) WIRELESS: What you can do to protect yourself?

If you have to connect to open Wi-Fi (wireless) networks at home or on the road, there are some precautions you can take to decrease threats:

1) Make sure your laptop security is up to date, with current versions of your operating system, web browser, firewalls, and antivirus and anti-spyware software.

2) Use the Penn State VPN <aset.its.psu.edu/vpn/>

3) Don't conduct financial transactions or use applications like e-mail and instant messaging.

4) Change the default setting on your laptop so you have to manually select the Wi-Fi network you’re connecting to.

5) Turn off your laptop's Wi-Fi capabilities when you're not using them.

1) Don't Accept Candy From Strangers - any offer that sounds too good to be true!

2) Don't Talk To Strangers <its.psu.edu/be-safe/social-networking/?searchterm=social%20networking>

3) There's No Such Thing As Easy Money. - Lots of links and letters offer $$$ - Don't go there!

4) You Will Never Receive An Unsolicited Software Update or requests for updating your Access/User accounts and passwords from a University Office, Legitimate Business, or Computer.

-- NEVER give your password(s) to anyone for any reason

-- NEVER give your password(s) to anyone for any reason (emphasis)

-- NOTE: Microsoft does not send e-mail to users telling them to download and install patches.

5) Stay away from questionable content - generally this type of e-mail leads to a lot of spam. Many carry virus-laden attachments or worse.

6) "Don't drive in bad neighborhoods!" Many sites serving out questionable material also "collect" information from you!

7) ALWAYS insist on knowing to whom you're providing personal information.

--- know exactly what they'll use your information for

--- whether oral, electronic, or in writing

--- Notify the CETC office (814-865-0626) right away if you receive such requests electronically

D) Additional Support and Resources

1) To learn more, follow the link http://its.psu.edu/takecontrol/

2) OnGuardOnline.gov provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry: <onguardonline.gov/idtheft.html>

3) Federal Trade Commission: <www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/>

E) Incident Reporting

If you gave out your SSN (Social Security Number) or PSU Account information and you think the recipient is questionable follow the instructions at: <sos.its.psu.edu/resources/incidentreport.html>

1) Penn State SOS - security@psu.edu, web: http://sos.its.psu.edu/

2) Locally in the College of Education: CETC Help Line: 814-865-0626

3) If you revealed personal information in response to a phishing scam, contact your local police services: <www.psu.edu/dept/sos/police.html>

F) What can be done right a way!

Passwords can be changed quickly at Penn State.

Go to: www.work.psu.edu log in and change your password!