Stay Cyber-Safe Year-Round with City Colleges’ Key Cybersecurity Tips

As Cybersecurity Awareness Month ends, City Colleges’ Office of Information Technology (OIT) wants you to stay vigilant year-round. Cybersecurity threats evolve daily, but you can protect yourself by following these essential tips.

1. Be Cautious with Links and Attachments

Do not click on unexpected links or attachments, even if they appear to be from known senders. Hackers often impersonate contacts. If you have any doubts, contact the sender through a trusted method or forward the email to infosec@ccc.edu for verification.

2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Passwords are your first defense. Use complex passwords with at least eight characters, including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid reusing passwords across accounts and never share your password. Reputable institutions will never request it through email.

3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA adds an extra security layer. Enable MFA for both work and personal accounts to protect against unauthorized access, especially if someone obtains your password. Always be wary of unexpected MFA requests, as hackers might be trying to gain access.

4. Keep Devices Updated

Regularly update your devices to protect yourself against the latest threats. Set up automatic updates where possible and remember to restart your device often. City Colleges managed computers may require restarts after updates.

5. Separate Email Accounts

For organization and security, only use your City Colleges email for professional communications and a personal email for everything else. This helps protect sensitive information and minimizes risks.

6. Avoid Scams and Phishing Attacks

Phishing attempts are growing more and more sophisticated. Pay attention to emails that create a sense of urgency or ask for sensitive information. City Colleges and reputable businesses won’t request passwords or sensitive data via email. Here are some red flags:

• Requests for gift card payments, wire transfers, or overseas transactions.
• Messages claiming urgency or secrecy.
• Emails from free consumer accounts claiming to be from a business.
• Unprofessional or rushed responses when you raise security concerns.

7. Don’t Trust Caller ID Blindly

Caller ID can be spoofed. If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from City Colleges or a familiar company, hang up and call the organization directly using a verified contact number.

8. Lock Your Workstation

Always lock your computer (Windows Key + L) when stepping away. For added security, make sure your screensaver is password-protected.

9. Don’t Auto-Forward Work Email

To avoid potential security risks, do not auto-forward your City Colleges email to a personal account. This could increase the risk of your data being compromised.

10. Securely Share Sensitive Information

When sending sensitive data, use encryption and share the password over a different channel, such as by phone.

If you suspect an account is compromised:

• Change your password immediately using passwordreset.microsoftonline.com.
• Contact infosec@ccc.edu for City Colleges related issues or reach out to the appropriate service provider for personal accounts.
• Report any suspicious activity, such as unfamiliar files or unexplained MFA requests.

By following these practices, you can protect your personal and work data from cyber threats. OIT is here to support your cybersecurity efforts year-round. Remember: “stop, think, then click.”

Find more cybersecurity tips and best practices here.