OIT Security and Compliance wrapped up its Data Privacy Month awareness program on Feb. 28. Many students, faculty and staff participated by watching security videos that show them how to protect and secure their personal and work-related data. OIT also incorporated social media to extend its reach across campus to help users practice safe cyber interactions.

OIT’s job is not over; it remains vigilant about data protection and encourages all campus users to be aware of cyber threats and associated risks. A National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) online pricvacy study shows that consumers are more concerned with the loss or theft of their personal and financial information than being involved in a car accident or a victim of a crime. Use these safety tips to help you protect the privacy and security of your own and university information:

• Activate Google’s two-step verification for an extra layer of protection for your account.
• Keep your apps and operating systems up-to-date. Reboot your devices at least weekly to allow updates to install.
• Install the free, university-provided antivirus software on up to three of your Internet-connected devices to reduce risk of virus infection and malware.
• Change your password often and choose strong passwords that are:
• easy to remember but hard to guess.
• passphrases and include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.
• unique for each of your online accounts.
• Beware of phishing attacks. Never give your password to anyone! NC State will NEVER ask for your password.
• ALWAYS hover over links in email, posts or texts to verify their intended location.
• Never click on suspicious or unrecognized links in emails, including those from NC State.
• Do not store credit card or other personal information in your email account.
• Arm yourself with security knowledge by watching brief security awareness videos at SANS Securing the Human.