October is National Cyber Security Awareness month. This is the first article in a five-part series brought to you by Geneseo’s Information Security Program Team.
When you leave your office or dorm room, do you close your door? Do you lock your computer?
An open door and an idling computer may not seem like much of a security risk in an environment where you know and trust most of the people around you, but it can present a number of easy opportunities for anyone with nefarious intentions.
Computer and Devices
Leaving your computer or phone unlocked is like leaving your car running and the doors wide open. In a matter of seconds, anyone can gain access to your local files, cloud storage, and password-protected accounts if you’re logged in or signed into a password management system.
The Solution
Close and lock your door every time you leave your office or dorm room. If that’s not possible, or if you’re stepping away from your computer in an unrestricted space, use a keyboard shortcut to lock it before you walk away. For PC users, press the Windows key and “L.” The Mac shortcut is Command + Control + Q. Older versions of MacOS use Control + Shift + Power.
Set your phone to lock and encrypt after 30 seconds or less of idle time. Even if you never let your phone out of your sight, you can’t guarantee you’ll never lose it or leave it somewhere—in which case, whoever finds it would have access to every photo, contact, text, account, file, and email on your phone.
Documents
Unsecured papers are easy pickings for thieves. Documents that don’t contain confidential information may seem fine to leave on a desk or printer or in an open garbage bin —but even non-confidential documents can include private details that should not be shared.
The Solution
Shred all confidential documents as soon as they’re no longer needed. File other documents in locked cabinets. Keep the key on your keyring instead of an unlocked drawer. Don’t keep any documents in unlocked drawers or storage spaces. When traveling, bring as little paperwork as possible. Keep any necessary documents on your person or in a locked space.