Today@Dal

Learn how to beat cyber criminals to the punch by defending your devices. Keep your devices and networks secure with the following strategies:

1. Ensure that anti-virus/anti-malware software is running on all your personal devices, including Apple devices.
   • Get Cyber Safe: How to evaluate anti-virus software (and choose the right one for you)
   • WIRED: Apple’s Macs Have Long Escaped Ransomware. That May Be Changing
   • Tom's Guide: The best Mac antivirus software in 2023
   • SentinelOne: macOS Malware 2023 | A Deep Dive into Emerging Trends and Evolving Techniques
2. Make sure that all of your devices are secure when they are used.
   • Set a PIN (Personal Identification Number) or password required to access each device before using it.
   • Use biometric logins such as thumbprint readers or 3D face scanners (Windows Hello cameras, Apple Face ID, etc.) as convenient alternatives to your device’s pin for daily use - biometric logins are also harder to steal.
   • Ensure that each device’s storage is encrypted in case the device is stolen. This is usually a quick checkbox in a desktop or mobile device’s settings, and some devices (such as iOS devices) even encrypt drives automatically when you set a pin on the device.
3. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on devices to protect your communications online. 
   • A VPN is a secure connection you can think of as a tunnel between your device and particular location on the internet.
   • A VPN provides you with additional security and privacy while you are online because it can ensure all of your data is secure and encrypted before it reaches its destination. 
   • A VPN is particularly useful when you are travelling or connecting to networks that are not your home network, especially when you are not sure if you can trust the network you are connecting to, such as an airport, hotel, or coffee shop Wi-Fi network.
   • When connecting to an unknown or untrustworthy network for personal use, we recommend the use of a personal VPN service (NordVPN, Surfshark, etc.).
   • When you need to access sensitive information at Dalhousie, you can connect to Dal’s VPN. 
4. Secure your home Wi-Fi to keep criminals out of your digital home. 
   • Network devices (modems and routers) are likely the most underappreciated gadgets in your house. We usually only think of them when the Wi-Fi goes down, however, they are silent heroes, working behind the scenes while our other devices hog the spotlight.  
   • The main threat against your home network is Wi-Fi theft or access. Cyber criminals are capable of accessing your home network, particularly if you have it unsecured (not password protected).
   • Recommendations to secure your home Wi-Fi network:
     • Consider where you place your router in your home:
       • Do not place it near a window or on the edge of the home.
       • Physical location determines not only how much coverage your home receives but also how far outside of your home your network can be accessed.
     • Ensure that you change the default network name and password whenever you set up a new home network:
       • Use a complex password that is unique to that network/
       • Default passwords are one of the most common ways home networks are compromised.
     • Keep all of your home network devices updated. Cyber criminals can access a vulnerable device that has not been updated, whether it is your Wi-Fi router, or smart home devices such as home security cameras and smart lightbulbs.
       • Devices should be selected which are easy to update and can prompt you when they need updates, or which do updates automatically and provide you a report.
     • Use a separate (or guest) network for your smart devices and for visitors.
       • Ensure that separate network has its own password, so that a visitor’s device, or a smart home device that missed an update does not provide access to the PCs and mobile devices that hold your personal information.
       • Keep devices with your personal information on the main home network and separate from other devices.

Learn more about network cyber security.   

Learning self-defense, especially with cybersecurity, can be challenging and may seem overwhelming at times. Do your best and keep going! We are here to help with advice and coaching on improving your security postures and awareness as you navigate your digital neighborhood.