10/15/2024

Dear members of the Puget Sound community,

During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Technology Services is spotlighting the importance of securing your internet-connected devices by keeping your software up to date.

Have lingering questions about MFA from last week? Stop by our booth in the Wheelock Student Center from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. any Tuesday in October. Meet someone from TS, try a cybersecurity-themed puzzle, or snag a free sticker.

This week’s learning opportunity spotlight: Stop Trying to Be Me! Guarding Your Identity
It’s not a compliment when cybercriminals want to impersonate you. Discover the most common types of identity theft and the telltale warning signs that someone may be trying to steal your identity. Learn how to shut down these imposters with proactive measures and catch identity theft before it escalates.

The sessions will be offered on Zoom at these times:

This week’s security tip: Software Updates
Software updates safeguard you by fixing known vulnerabilities that hackers often exploit. Keeping your operating system and apps updated strengthens these weak spots in your digital defense.

So, why wait? Stop hitting “remind me later” and update your software! To save time and effort later, consider enabling automatic updates.

Not sure how to run updates? Below are links to instructions on how to update the operating system on commonly used devices:

Remember to update apps and other software too, particularly web browsers.

To protect your devices and the information on them, here are some other helpful tips:

  • Steer clear of software from unknown sources. Always download software from trusted providers and get all your apps exclusively from your device’s official app store. Avoid the risks of discovering malicious content hidden in pirated software or media - it’s not worth the cost.
  • Use antivirus software. A reliable security solution can detect, block, and remove viruses and malware that may be hiding on your device.
  • Encrypt your devices. Without a password, passcode, or decryption key to unlock an encrypted device, your data is safe from unauthorized access, even if the device is lost or stolen.
  • Lock your screen. Whenever you step away from your device, lock your screen to prevent someone else from accessing your device while you are logged in. Even better, avoid leaving your devices unattended altogether!

For more information on protecting your device, visit our page on securing mobile devices.

For additional details, sign up for learning opportunities, or provide feedback, please visit pugetsound.edu/CAM2024. 

Thank you,

Technology Services

TS Service Desk
Walk-In Support: Tech Center in Collins Library
Phone Support: 253.879.8585
Online Help: https://support.pugetsound.edu/
Email Support: servicedesk@pugetsound.edu