#1 – You are a target to hackers
Don’t ever say, “It won’t happen to me.” We are all at risk and the stakes are high – both for your personal and financial well-being and for the university’s standing and reputation.
- Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility.
- By following the tips below and remaining vigilant, you are doing your part to protect yourself and others.
Keep software up-to-date
Installing software updates for your operating system and programs is critical. Always install the latest security updates for your devices:
- Turn on Automatic Updates for your operating system.
- Use web browsers such as Chrome or Firefox that receive frequent, automatic security updates.
- Make sure to keep browser plug-ins (Flash, Java, etc.) up-to-date.
Practice good password management
We all have too many passwords to manage – and it’s easy to take short-cuts, like reusing the same password.? A password manager can help you to maintain strong unique passwords for all of your accounts.? These programs can generate strong passwords for you, enter credentials automatically, and remind you to update your passwords periodically. UC Berkeley offers free LastPass Premium(link is external) to all users with a CalNet ID.
Be careful what you click
Avoid visiting unknown websites or downloading software from untrusted sources. These sites often host malware that will automatically install (often silently) and compromise your computer.
If attachments or links in the email are unexpected or suspicious for any reason, don’t click on it.
