Stay Cyber Secure With Tips, Resources

The University of California’s networks house an enormous amount of sensitive information — including student data, employee files, patient records and proprietary research — and criminals are constantly finding new ways to steal information.

In recognition of National Cyber Security Awareness Month in October, UC is offering a variety of resources to help campus community members better understand cyber risk and stay safe and secure online whether users are at school, work or home.

These resources include cyber security tips and fact sheets, articles, posters, short videos and a presentation geared toward students. The university is also offering a series of free webinars covering a range of topics, including techniques hackers use to break into networks, what to consider when storing information in the cloud and cybersecurity for medical devices.

Learn more on UC’s National Cyber Security Awareness Month webpage. Meanwhile, protect yourself and your private information by following these cybersecurity do's and don’ts.

• Do use different passwords for different accounts, including for UC and non-UC logins.
• Your password is the key to your private information, so do make it strong. Do use a mix of letters, numbers and special characters.
• Don't ever share your passwords with anyone.
• Do protect your phone and other portable devices. Do use complex passwords and automatic screen locking. Don’t leave your phone lying around where someone can steal it — even just for a second.
• Do avoid phishing scams and ransomware. Don't click on unknown links or files in emails, text messages, websites or pop-ups.
• Do back it up. Back up everything on your phone or portable device that you don’t want to lose.
• Do keep your private information private. Remember that once you share something online, it lives forever.

You can find additional systemwide information security news, alerts, upcoming events and other information on the UC Security website.