Every October, we recognize Cybersecurity Awareness Month and our shared responsibility to be proactive about digital privacy and security. Cornell continues to be a Champion organization for 2022. Cybersecurity impacts daily life for all of us—both at home and work—and we want you to know what it takes to stay safe online.

There are all kinds of ways to protect your valuable data. Practicing the basics of cybersecurity is a simple way to start. We’re all responsible for our internet safety, so let’s remember to be cyber smart.

Phishing attacks have been escalating worldwide, including sophisticated two-factor authentication scams and the widespread use of ransomware. Be sure to back up your data and update your software and apps often. Help minimize the likelihood of a breach and learn more about cybersecurity at Cornell.

Take these simple steps now—and all year long—to safeguard your personal information and university data.

If You Connect It, Protect It

Think before you click. Use these tips to spot email scams. Links online and in emails are often how scammers trick you into being compromised. If a link or attachment looks phishy, even if you know the source, confirm before clicking.

Protect your personal information, connected devices, and university data. Cornell VPN provides secure remote access to campus IT resources from anywhere when needed. Certified Desktop is available to protect computers with anti-malware, encryption, and backups.

Enable or expand stronger authentication. Two-Step Login adds an extra layer of security to your Cornell NetID and password. Enabling two-factor authentication on your personal accounts protects them, too, even if your password is compromised. Be sure to protect yourself against two-factor phishing scams. Use 2FactorAuth to find sites you use every day that offer stronger authentication, like Google, Facebook, and Twitter. Boost your cyberhygiene and give your accounts a security checkup.

Make your passwords long and strong. This part is easier when you use passphrases. A strong passphrase is a sentence that's at least 12 characters long. Use a password manager like LastPass to simplify your online life and remember all your passwords on any device. Set a unique password or passphrase for each account. Sign up for LastPass, including LastPass Families, available for all current Cornell students, faculty, and staff.

Keep your devices and apps up to date. Manufacturers and software developers often patch security holes in their products, but they only work if you apply them. Stay current with notifications on your computer and mobile devices informing you of updates waiting to install, and act as soon as they're available. Take time to configure the privacy and security settings of your apps and devices. Most devices default to the least secure settings.

Share with care. Use social media safely. Before you share online, think about how you'd feel if that information were to end up somewhere you didn’t intend. When you visit new websites, do some research and make sure they're reputable.