Top 10 Cybersecurity Tips to Graduate Smart

The school year might be wrapping up, but your cybersecurity habits shouldn’t take
a break. Whether you’re heading home for the summer, starting a new job or graduating,
these simple tips from the Department of Information Technology can help you keep your personal information safe—on and off campus.

1. Create Strong, Secure Passwords: Your password is your first line of defense against online threats. Use a mix of
   uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols—or better yet, a passphrase made
   up of unrelated words like “CoffeeTreeHouse#91.” It is both stronger and easier to
   remember. Avoid reusing passwords across accounts and consider using a password manager
   to keep them safe. Follow these tips to protect your password.

2. Be Cautious of Suspicious Emails and Job Scams: Scam emails often look legitimate, especially those offering jobs or asking for urgent
   action. Always research the sender and verify job postings through official company
   websites or trusted platforms. Never share personal or financial information until
   you’ve confirmed the employer is genuine and you’ve received a formal offer. Follow these tips to avoid job scams.

3. Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Tasks: Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient but often insecure. Avoid logging into bank
   accounts, email or any sensitive accounts while using them. At Seton Hall, always
   use the secure Campus Wi-Fi network. Read the guide to connect to Campus Wi-Fi.

4. Avoid Oversharing on Social Media: Sharing your location, vacation plans or daily routines can make you vulnerable
   to identity theft or burglary. Review your privacy settings regularly and limit who
   can view your content. 

5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): 2FA adds a second layer of protection to your accounts. All Seton Hall users are
   required to enroll in Duo Two-Factor Authentication, which lets you verify your identity
   via push notification, text, phone call or an app generated passcode. Enable 2FA on
   all personal accounts to further safeguard your information. Enhance your Seton Hall account security with Duo.

6. Keep Apps and Software Up to Date: Software updates often include security patches that protect against the latest
   threats. Enable automatic updates on your devices and restart them regularly to ensure
   updates are applied. Back up your data to the cloud or an external drive in case of
   system failure. Follow these tips for restarting your devices.

7. Protect Personal Information: Only access sensitive information like banking or health portals on secure devices
   and networks. Avoid entering personal data on borrowed devices or over an untrusted
   Wi-Fi network. Your data is most secure when you’re in control of the connection.
   Follow these tips for device security.

8. Shop Online Safely: When shopping online, always check for HTTPS and the lock icon in the address bar.
   Use secure payment methods like credit cards or PayPal and avoid unfamiliar sites
   or offers that seem too good to be true. Follow these tips for a safe and secure shopping experience.

9. Don’t Fall for Smishing: Smishing refers to fraudulent text messages that appear to come from your bank,
   school or other trusted sources. These messages often urge you to click on links or
   verify personal information. Never respond to suspicious texts. Instead, verify the
   request through the organization’s official website or phone number, and delete the
   message if it seems suspicious. Follow these tips to protect yourself from smishing.

10. Stay Alert and Think Before You Click: Cyberattacks often rely on users making quick decisions—clicking a link, opening
    an attachment or downloading a file. If something feels off, take a step back and
    verify its source. Be cautious about plugging unknown devices (like USB drives) into
    your computer, as they could contain malware.

Cybersecurity is an ongoing effort. Staying alert, following best practices and thinking
before you click can go a long way in protecting your personal information. If you
ever notice suspicious activity, receive a potential scam message or believe your
account may have been compromised, immediately contact the Department of Information
Technology by submitting a service desk ticket on the Technology Service Desk portal. 

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Science and Technology