Plaza Cybersecurity and Safe Computing
Tips and Advice for Everyone
No matter how many security measures you have in place, your password is the key to accessing your device or accounts. Just as you wouldn’t leave your door unlocked, don’t leave your accounts vulnerable.
Numerous programs try to crack passwords by guessing common ones or using random combinations. The best defense is a strong password combined with multi-factor authentication.
A strong password includes numbers, uppercase and lowercase letters, and special characters (like !@#$%^&*), making it nearly impossible to guess. The longer the password, the more secure it is, ensuring that your efforts to protect your device are not in vain.
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Here, you can find guidance on protecting yourself and the entire Plaza College community. Learn about potential threats, how to avoid them, and tips for staying Cyber-Secure!
Create a Secure Password!
Secure your accounts with a Strong Password. Here are some tips for creating a secure password:
- Longer passwords (or “passphrases”) can be formed using a phrase or sentence. They are easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess.
- Remember, Plaza College and most other institutions (like your bank) will never ask you for your password
- Avoid using information that is easy-to-find online or posted on social media as the basis for your passwords or answers to security questions. Your answers don’t even have to be truthful; just something you’ll remember!
Always Backup Work!
Backing Up: What Are the Best Solutions For You?
Backing up your important documents and files is vital and there are various ways to do so. Computers will always eventually fail and often this will happen when you least expect it.
The Plaza College IT Department recommends backing up data at least once a week.
The Plaza College IT Department recommends backing up data at least once a week.
That is not a typo. We say that twice because it is very important!
As you can see in the following chart of viable backups, Google Drive is your best option!
| Method | Description | Storage Space | Portability | Durability | Ease of Use | Archive Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flash Drive | Plug into any device with a USB port | 1GB - 256GB | High | High | High | Medium |
| External Drive | Stores lots of data; semi-portable | 128GB - 4TB | Medium | Medium | High | Medium |
| Cloud Storage | Always available online | Google Drive: Unlimited | High | High | High | High |
Becoming Cyber Aware
Knowing the basics of being cyber-aware will save you a lot of headaches, whether it’s having a secure password, updating your operating systems or performing regular backups, here are some tips on how you can stay cyber-aware!
- Keep your operating system up to date
- Select a secure password for your computer that is different from your Plaza College account password
- Develop a plan for backing up files regularly
- Educate yourself about safe computing practices
Avoid Phishing and Suspicious Email
It’s Phishing not fishing, no really! Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines phishing as “The practice of tricking Internet users (as through the use of deceptive email messages or websites) into revealing personal or confidential information which can then be used illicitly”
Here are a few of the most common forms of phishing:
- Requests for personal information or to update payment info
- Password reset emails you did not request, or MFA login approval
- Prompts, fake package shipping updates, or fake late payment notifications
Stay Secure & Don’t Take the Bait!
Avoid clicking on links in unexpected emails. Even if the email appears to come from a trusted domain (like @plaza.edu), it could still be fraudulent. Cyber criminals often send messages from trusted domains, making these scams difficult to detect. If you’re unsure, verify the sender’s information by checking their official website. Click here to learn further on how to handle phishing messages.
