Cybersecurity Check-in

Owned by Andrew McClurg
Last updated: Sep 15, 2023

About Cybersecurity Check-in

This section presents five secure actions you can take to better protect your digital life. The check in includes steps that aren't too technical to implement and offer a great return in security for the effort invested in them. These secure behaviors should be practiced in your professional/academic life at Syracuse, but are just as useful in your personal digital life outside of campus. 

Secure Community

You may already be using all of these security tips, but it is beneficial to review them periodically. Also, discussing them with others will help to create a more secure Syracuse community overall.

On this Page


Clean up your account passwords

  • Make sure all your passwords are unique across your accounts.
  • Make sure all your passwords are complex.
  • Long memorable phrases or song lyrics with number and special characters are good suggestions.
  • Never share your passwords with others, SU staff will never ask for or need your password to assist you.

For more password information: Passwords at SU

Bonus: Setup a password manager to keep track of and monitor your passwords.

A good password manager will:

    • Suggest strong passwords.
    • Alert you to passwords that have appeared in data leaks.
    • Flag passwords used across accounts.

Password Manager Options:

Bitwarden

Keychain/Passwords(Apple)

Keepass

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication(MFA)

  • MFA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code or log-in approval request sent to your mobile device or email, in addition to your password.
  • Microsoft Authenticator is the MFA solution used at SU, for more information click here: MFA at SU.
  • Never share your MFA codes with others, SU staff will never ask for or need your MFA code to assist you.


Keep software and apps updated

  • Many updates include security patches that address vulnerabilities, running outdated software/apps may leave your systems open to outsiders.

Bonus: Turn on auto updates on all of your devices.

Learn how to spot phishing emails and how to report them

  • Phishing emails are a common tactic used by cybercriminals to steal sensitive information.
  • Be wary of unexpected emails, especially if they ask for personal information, create a sense of urgency, or contain suspicious links/attachments.
  • Verify the sender's email address and avoid clicking on links unless you are certain they are from a trusted source.
  • Report suspected emails by forwarding them to itsecurity@syr.edu and/or by using the Report Phishing option within Outlook. Reporting emails protect you and the greater SU community.

Cybersecurity is contagious

  • Talk to others about the tips outlined here, you may be able to help each other take these security precautions.
  • The more people that take these precautions, the safer out community will be.

Bonus: Take the lead in your office by sharing these tips and being the go-to person to review them with others.

Additional Security Topics and Information