Throughout October for National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM), ITS News will share tips, resources and insights with you on ways to protect your digital security and privacy.
Our experts are from UNC-Chapel Hill’s Information Technology Services department and from the University’s IT community. You’ll learn valuable information such as top practices for online safety, tips for keeping your mobile devices secure and ways to protect yourself and the campus from cyber threats. In addition, our experts will share how to protect yourself with a password manager, how to create passphrases with Diceware as an alternative to passwords, why anti-virus programs aren’t the ultimate solution and how eduroam, the campus’ new primary Wi-Fi network, secures your wireless connection.
During October, you can gain all these insights from our guest writers here at ITS News and in the pages of the University Gazette, which is graciously sharing our tips in September and October issues.
You can further your knowledge by visiting the website for the national NCSAM campaign. This is the 12th year that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has sponsored a series of events and initiatives across the country during the month of October. The national campaign reminds us to STOP. THINK. CONNECT. “Take security and safety precautions, understand the consequences of your actions and behaviors online and enjoy the benefits of the Internet,” the national campaign advises.
Here on campus, you also can get involved this month by displaying posters that ITS has made available. If you’re interested in displaying posters in your area, please contact your Information Security Liaison. In addition, you can attend Cyber Security Activities in The Pit on Friday, October 30.
To get you started for NCSAM, here are three simple steps you can take now:
- Set unique and strong passwords or passphrases
- Limit the amount of personal information you post online
- Keep your operating system, browser and other critical software optimized by installing updates
NCSAM event
Cyber Security Activities in The Pit
Friday, October 30, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Meet members of the campus Information Security Office and play some informative, fun games to test your knowledge of how to stay safe online.