October is <a href="https://www.staysafeonline.org/cybersecurity-awareness-month” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank”>Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a global campaign that helps individuals, organizations and communities stay safer online. Marquette University is joining this year’s campaign with a simple reminder: Don’t make it easy for them.
Cybercriminals often look for the easiest path into an account, device or organization. A reused password, an unexpected approval request, a convincing phishing message or a delayed software update can give them the opportunity they need. The good news is that a few routine habits can make you a much harder target.
Make security harder for attackers:
- Use strong, unique passwords. Avoid reusing passwords across university, work and personal accounts. A password manager can help create and securely store unique passwords.
- Use multifactor authentication and protect every prompt. MFA adds an important layer of security, but never approve a sign-in request you did not initiate. If a prompt is unexpected, deny it and review your account activity.
- Pause before you click or respond. Be cautious with unexpected messages, urgent requests, unfamiliar links, attachments, QR codes and requests for passwords, payments, gift cards or personal information.
- Report suspicious messages. Reporting suspected phishing helps protect you and the university community. Use the “Report Message” function in Outlook when an email appears suspicious.
- Keep devices and applications up to date. Install security updates promptly and restart devices when requested so important protections can take effect.
- Protect university and personal information. Share information only with people who need it, use approved university services and avoid entering sensitive information into unfamiliar websites or applications.
Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Whether you are learning, teaching, conducting research or supporting university operations, your everyday choices help protect your accounts, your information and the Marquette community.
About Cybersecurity Awareness Month:
Established in 2004, Cybersecurity Awareness Month brings together government agencies, businesses, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations to promote safer online behavior. Marquette University is proud to support this important initiative, led by the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Security Agency and the National Cybersecurity Alliance.
