Information Technology Services

Anyone can be a target of cybercrime. We are all at risk and the stakes are high - both for your personal and financial well-being and for the university's standing and reputation. The tips below should be used as a guide with “anyone can be a target” as a base principle.

Installing software updates for your operating system and programs is critical. Always install the latest security updates for your devices:

• Turn on Automatic Updates for your operating system
• Use web browsers such as Chrome or Firefox that receive frequent, automatic security updates
• Make sure to keep browser plug-ins (Flash, Java, etc.) up-to-date

Fraudulent emails, calls, and texts from cyber criminals “phishing” for information have been around for decades. The adversaries are getting more sophisticated though with their attacks and more and more fraudulent emails look like they are coming from a reputable source or even forms someone you personally know and trust. Read our guide on phishing awareness to learn how to identify, avoid, and report phishing.

Good passwords are long and unique. But we all have too many passwords to manage, which is why using a password manager is a great way to enhance digital security. Brandeis IT Security recommends and licenses LastPass.

Avoid visiting unknown websites or downloading software from untrusted sources. These sites often host malware that will automatically install (often silently) and compromise your computer. 

That software you just heard of from an online advertisement telling you to speed up your computer and that it has found infections but wants payment to act is likely fraudulent. 

If attachments or links in the email are unexpected or suspicious for any reason, don't click on them.

The physical security of your devices is just as important as their technical security. 

• If you need to leave your laptop, phone, or tablet for any length of time - lock it up so no one else can use it. 
• If you keep protected data on a flash drive or external hard drive, make sure they are encrypted and locked up as well. 
• For desktop computers, lock your screen or shut-down the system when not in use.

Be aware of regulated, restricted, or confidential data that you come into contact with and its associated restrictions. Review Brandeis’ Written Information Security Policy to understand data protection level requirements. In general:

• Keep high-level personally identifiable data (e.g., SSNs, credit card information, student records, health information, etc.) off of your workstation, laptop, or mobile devices
• Securely remove sensitive data files from your system when they are no longer needed
• Always use encryption when storing or transmitting sensitive data

Unsure of how to store or handle sensitive data?  Email us at security@brandeis.edu.

Considering how much we rely on our mobile devices and how susceptible they are to attack, you'll want to make sure you are protected:

• Lock your device with a PIN or password - and never leave it unprotected in public.
• Only install apps from trusted sources (Apple AppStore, Google Play).
• Disable services you don’t need, like location services for certain applications or contact sharing. 
• Keep the device's operating system up-to-date.
• Don't click on links or attachments from unsolicited emails or texts. 
• Click on the sender’s name in emails to verify the sender’s address if the message is suspicious. 
• Avoid transmitting or storing personal information on the device.
• Encrypt your devices. Consult your device's documentation for available options.
• Use Apple's Find my iPhone  or the Android Device Manager tools to help prevent loss or theft.

Antivirus software comes in many forms and has evolved to be proactive, but it stills is just one layer of protection. Computers provided by Brandeis ITS use enSilo, and McAfee is available for personal devices.

Backup data regularly. Computers provided by ITS include Code42’s cloud backup service. Manually backup data on personal computers to external hard drives or your cloud storage solution of choice. If you’re the victim of a security incident, the best way to remedy that will be to erase the contents of your device and reinstall the operating system.