Five ways to stay cyber smart

October is Cybersecurity Month and a good time to check up on the best ways to stay “cyber smart” across all the digital platforms in your life.

• Be Phish-Aware. Do not click on suspicious links or share personal or financial information, such as Social Security numbers, or credit card or bank details in response to phish you may receive via email, phone call, or text. Common indicators of phishing include: language that asks you to act with urgency, spelling or grammar errors, or offers that seem too good to be true.
• Use Unique and Strong Passphrases. Simple passwords can be guessed. Use passphrases with a mix of upper and lowercase letters and numbers/character substitutions that are not easy to guess. Do not reuse passwords for multiple services or share passwords with others. Remember, no reputable organization, including George Mason, will ask you for your password. If you suspect your password has been compromised, change it immediately. Use a password manager to help you set strong passwords and securely store them for later use.
• Beware of Push-Bombing. A strong password is key, but you need more than a password to protect your personal data and accounts. Enabling multifactor authentication (MFA) decreases your chances of getting hacked. But, watch out: Attackers use “MFA fatigue” or push-bombing attacks, where the attacker sends numerous authentication requests until a user gives in and approves it. If you have not attempted to log into an application but are receiving authentication alerts, do not approve them. Instead, reset your password and contact the ITS Support Center or appropriate helpdesk for assistance.
• Keep Software Updated. When devices, apps, or software programs (especially antivirus software) notify you that updates are available, install them as soon as possible. Updated software ensures you have the latest security patches and updates on your devices. Devices managed by George Mason receive updates automatically. For personal and non-George Mason managed devices and applications, it is important to install the updates in a timely manner.
• Report Suspicious Activity. If you receive a suspicious email or are unsure if something is legitimate, connect with ITS before you click, open, or respond. Other than resetting your password immediately, do not attempt to remedy the situation on your own. ITS has trained specialists available to help and keep George Mason cyber safe.

Check out a list of ITS activities for Cybersecurity Awareness Month at George Mason.

ITS support is also now available 24/7. You can call 703-993-8870 or  submit a request online.