Cyber Safety Tips: Best Practices While Working From Office Or Remotely 

Working From Home Because Of The Coronavirus?

JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY — Due to the Coronavirus outbreak we have recently been advised to work remotely. This means you may work from home. Although this is best practices for ensuring that we remain healthy and safe, it unfortunately also increases our chances of becoming victims of cyber crimes such as phishing and vishing scams, or stolen account passwords.  If you are a Jackson State University Employee and decide to work remotely, the JSU Department of Information Technology asks that you please do your part in keeping our school cyber safe by using the best practice for protecting your devices and data, just like you would in the workplace!

CYBER SAFETY BEST PRACTICES @ HOME & WORKPLACE

TIP 1. Beware of  COVID-19 Themed Phishing scams and Emails

A phishing email with malicious software could allow cybercriminals to take control of your computer, log your keystrokes, or access sensitive business information and financial data.

TIP 2. Avoid doing workplace tasks when connected to public WiFi

If you are an employee that has to gain access to sensitive data sets (ex SSNs, Bank Account Information) for students and other employees connecting using a public wifi signal to conduct workplace duties  phishing email with malicious software could allow cybercriminals to take control of your computer, log your keystrokes, or access sensitive business information and financial data.

TIP 3. Avoid pop-ups, unknown emails, and links

Here’s a rule to follow: Never enter personal or company information in response to an email, pop-up webpage, or any other form of communication you didn’t initiate. Phishing can lead to identity theft. It’s also the way most ransomware attacks occur.

TIP 4. Use strong password protection and authentication

Strong, complex passwords can help stop cyberthieves from accessing company information. A strong password contains at least 15 characters and includes numbers, symbols, and capital and lowercase letters. Companies also should ask you to change your passwords on a regular basis. Changing and remembering all of your passwords may be challenging. A password manager can help.

TIP 5. Embrace cyber awareness education and training

Your responsibility includes knowing your company’s cybersecurity policies and what’s expected of you. That includes following them. If you’re unsure about a policy, ask the Cyber Security personnel.