1. Use a strong password
2. Protect confidential information
3. Use up-to-date operating systems and and anti-virus software
4. Use secure and supported applications
5. Be wary of suspicious e-mails
6. Avoid storing confidential data locally, including on CDs or USB drives
7. Back up your data...and verify that you are able to restore
8. Protect information in all its forms
9. Become familiar with the information on this site
10. If you are unsure about something, ask for help

1. Use a strong password

Use a strong password to protect your privacy and University information and resources. Your password should be difficult for someone else to guess, and should be kept secret. The Cal Poly Password Manager can help you select a strong

2. Protect confidential information

As a student or employee at Cal Poly you have access to information which must not be shared. This may include personnel, financial, and student records. Familiarize yourself with the applicable laws and policies which govern these records and act accordingly.

 

3. Use up-to-date operating systems and antivirus and anti-spyware software

Software can include bugs which allow someone to monitor or control the computer systems you use. In order to limit these vulnerabilities, make sure that you follow the instructions provided by software vendors to apply the latest fixes. Antivirus and anti-spyware software should also be installed and kept up to date. For more information, see: Viruses and Spyware and Being Safe Online.

4. Use secure and supported applications

Software installed on the computer you use has the potential to monitor or control the system. Think of the computer you use as a room where you have private conversations. You wouldn’t invite someone you don’t know into this room, and in the same way you should not install software unless you know it to be trustworthy. To be safe, use only software that comes from a trusted source, such as the Cal Poly Software Download Channel.

5. Be wary of suspicious e-mails

E-mails may include viruses or misleading links to web pages which ask for personal information. Cal Poly makes every effort to prevent viruses and other malicious content from reaching your campus e-mail account, but even e-mails which appear to be from a trustworthy source may be forged. Exercise caution, and when in doubt do not follow links or open attachments from a suspicious message. For more information, see: Viruses and Spyware and Internet Scams and Hoaxes.

6. Avoid storing confidential data on local storage, including CDs or USB drives

CDs, DVDs, USB drives, and other media are all convenient ways to store data. Unfortunately, this means that it is also convenient for someone to take the media and access the data stored on it. When possible do not store any confidential data on the computer system you use, or on local media such as CD-Rs. If it is necessary to store information in this way, protect it as you would a piece of paper holding the same information: keep it locked up when it’s not in use, and erase or destroy it when it the information is no longer required.

7. Back up your data… and verify that you are able to restore

Due to hardware failure, virus infection, or other cause you may find yourself in a situation where information stored on the computer you use is not accessible. Be sure to regularly back up any data which is important to you or your role at Cal Poly. If applicable, check with your technical support staff to determine if a server-hosted solution is available to meet your needs, as this will better ensure that your data is protected and available when you need it.

8. Protect information in all its forms

Protect information in all of its forms. Confidential information printed on paper should kept out of site; locks on cabinets or offices should be used as appropriate and documents should be shredded when they are no longer required. If you are speaking about a confidential matter, be sure that your conversation will not be overheard.

9. Become familiar with the information on this site

This site is regularly updated with information to help you protect information, so that you may be successful in your role at Cal Poly. By reading this page, you’ve already taken the first step! Thank you for your efforts, and please review the other areas on this site which provide more specific information.

10. If you are unsure about something, ask for help

Learning about information security and safe computing needn’t be a daunting task. There are many resources on campus to help you: the ITS Service Desk can answer many of your information technology questions, provide additional information, and refer you to other resources as necessary.

If you have questions or concerns specific to your role at the University please contact your supervisor or advisor. In any situation where you believe that there is a threat to physical safety of a person or property, please immediately contact University Police.