In this article:
- Use a separate login account
- Connect to campus with the Virtual Private Network
- Secure your home wireless network
- Keep your computer secure
University data stored on a computer you use remotely, whether the computer is owned by you or the university, is subject to the same policies as data located on campus. Per University policy, you are the custodian responsible for all University data on any computer you use.
It is your responsibility to know what types of University data you have on the devices you use whether at work or at home and to take steps to protect it.
Use a separate login account
If using a personal device for conducting University business, if other members of your household use the same computer, create a separate login account for your University work and data, with a strong password that only you know. Using a separate login ensures other users on your computer cannot view or access University documents.
Connect to campus with the Virtual Private Network
To connect to some department and central resources from off-campus, you may be required to use a VPN.
Connecting to the university network from home increases the risk of data exposure or password compromise because you have to use networks that are not controlled by the University. To minimize these risks, you should use the campus Virtual Private Network (VPN) when working with sensitive University data. This will ensure that everything you do is encrypted as it goes over the network. VPN protects your data from electronic eavesdropping.
Secure your home wireless network
Home wireless networks are easy to set up and extremely convenient to use. However, an insecure wireless environment poses several risks that need to be addressed:
- Anyone near your home can use your Internet connection.
- Anyone near your home may be able to access your computer.
- Anything sent over the wireless connection could be stolen.
Check with your Internet provider on how to secure your wireless network.
For self-installed wireless equipment, the manuals that came with your wireless router should provide detailed information on how to secure your home wireless network.
Keep your computer secure
A very common problem with home computers is having out-of-date operating systems and browsers, as well as not having activated current firewall and antivirus software. If you're working on university business on a computer at home, whether yours or a University own computer, you must take measures to secure your computer and mobile devices.
Keep a Clean Machine.
- Keep security software current: Having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats.
- Automate software updates: Many software programs will automatically connect and update to defend against known risks. Turn on automatic updates if that’s an available option.
- Protect all devices that connect to the Internet: Along with computers, smartphones, gaming systems, and other web‐enabled devices also need protection from viruses and malware.
- Plug & scan: “USBs” and other external devices can be infected by viruses and malware. Use your security software to scan them.