As we delve into Week 4 of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it’s vital for the Seton Hall community to recognize the importance of securing our laptops, tablets, and smartphones. These devices aren’t just mere gadgets; they store a wealth of sensitive information including coursework, passwords, and important University data, making them highly attractive targets for cybercriminals. An innocent mistake, such as connecting to an unsecured network or neglecting software updates, can expose us to risks like identity theft, data loss, or unauthorized access to University systems.
In an interconnected setting like Seton Hall, one compromised device can spell trouble for the entire community. By ensuring that our devices are secure, we collectively protect our personal information and the integrity of our University network.
Device Security, Maintenance, and Care
Here are ten practical and impactful habits you can adopt today to enhance the security of your devices and safeguard our community:
- Keep devices with you or locked away. Your laptop, tablet, or phone deserves your attention. Never leave them unattended in classrooms, libraries, or any public spots.
- Handle with care. Keep food and drinks at a safe distance from your tech, steer clear of excessive sunlight exposure, and invest in padded carrying cases for travel.
- Protect access to your devices. Use strong passwords or biometric locks for all devices. Go for lengthy passphrases when feasible, and enable auto-lock after a short period of inactivity.
- Use different passwords for each account. A breach in one account shouldn’t lead to a domino effect across all your logins.
- Avoid insecure public Wi-Fi. Stick to Seton Hall’s secure Wi-Fi or your own mobile hotspot. If you must connect to public Wi-Fi, steer clear of logging into sensitive accounts.
- Back up regularly. Consider using OneDrive or other secure cloud services to back up your essential documents and photos, providing a safety net against data loss.
- Take photos of serial numbers. It takes only moments to photograph each device’s serial number, which will help prove ownership if your device is lost or stolen.
- Clean up digital clutter. Regularly removing unused apps and files can improve performance and reduce vulnerabilities.
- Check app permissions. Only download apps from known sources and scrutinize what permissions they require.
- Wipe data before donating or selling. Always reset old devices to factory settings for a clean slate, ensuring personal information is completely removed before recycling or handing them off.
If Your Seton Hall Laptop Is Lost or Stolen
In the unfortunate event that your Seton Hall laptop is lost or stolen, prompt action is crucial. Contact University Public Safety if the incident occurs on campus, or your local police department if it’s off campus, and ensure you obtain a police report. For University-issued devices, you should notify the University by emailing [email protected] or visiting the Asset Management Office in Corrigan Hall, Room 27, on the South Orange campus to arrange a replacement. Note that a fee equivalent to the value of the laptop will be added to your Bursar account.
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Science and Technology