Edgewood College will never ask you for your account password. Users are encouraged to report any email that requests such information, whether it appears to be from Edgewood College ITSO, any other Edgewood College office, or any organization.

Edgewood College Community,

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month! In observance of the 14th year of this important focus, Edgewood College ITSO would like to share some reminders and some tips on how to stay safe online.

First and foremost, let's talk passwords:

• Keep it a secret. Don't share your password with anyone, even when asked by what sounds like a legitimate official.  Edgewood College will never ask you for your account password. 
• Keep it unique. Don't reuse passwords. Don't recycle passwords. If you feel you have too many accounts to have unique passwords for each, use a password safe. While we can't recommend or endorse a specific password safe, there are many trusted commercial products available, many of which are free to use and work across platforms.
• Use multifactor authentication (MFA) when available. MFA requires having more than one method of authentication to verify your identity. Most services provide this as an opt-in and require nothing more than a smartphone. If you want to know if a service or bank you use offers MFA, go to https://twofactorauth.org/. It provides a searchable, comprehensive list of who offers MFA, who doesn't, and how you can request it be offered.
• Turn on login notification when available. Most services will provide the option of text or email notifications when logging in from new locations. Turn this on. If you do get hacked, you definitely want to know about it as soon as possible.

Second, email security:

• Don't get phished. Phishing emails are emails that look like they are from a legitimate business or person, sometimes even looking like they're from a close friend or family member, manipulating you into responding with sensitive information, like passwords, account numbers, etc. Most successful hacking jobs result from successful phishing email campaigns.
• Be skeptical of any attachment or link in an email. It's always best to verify with the purported sender using a second method of communication. Did a bank email you? Go to the banks website, find their customer service number, and give them a call. Get an email saying Edgewood College needs you to change your password? Call us. A 5 minute phone call can save hundreds of dollars and years of grief.
              

Take a look at some of the websites below for more info on National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and other ways you can protect yourself and your family and stay safe online. 

https://staysafeonline.org/ncsam/

https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/ncsam-2018

Also, be on the lookout for a Tech Tuesday this month focused on Cybersecurity where we'll talk more about tools and methods you can use to secure your life online.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Technology Assistance Center located in DeRicci 104 or by phone at (608) 663-6900.

Technology Assistance Center
(608)663-6900
(608)663-6788 fax

Edgewood College
1000 Edgewood College Dr.
Madison, WI   53711