Issue/Question
- What can I do to make sure my accounts are secure?
- What should I know about cybersecurity?
Resolution
Your network access codes and password are a gateway to the Wide Area Network which contains numerous networks, printers, and other computer resources. Potentially, anyone can gain access if adequate precautions are not followed to keep your access information secret. If you follow these basic security procedures the network will be protected.
- Think Before You Click! Unless you specifically requested or expected it, don't click on links in emails; instead, go to the website you want to visit using your browser. Also, do not click on display ads on websites - instead go to the website you want to visit using your browser.
- Choose a password that is not obvious to someone else. If everything you own is painted yellow because it is your favorite color, DO NOT use “yellow” as your password. Avoid using names of family members, pets, hobbies or the word Massasoit.
- Every networked system has its own password rotation schedule. You will get reminders to change your password approximately a week before yours is up. Generally, you cannot use one that you recently used.
- Never let anyone sign in as you.
- Use the screen saver, minimize button, or brightness control on your monitor to keep people from looking at your work if you are not at your desk; especially if the material is of a sensitive nature.
- Remember that each operating system has its own protection scheme. We try to keep systems as a ‘single sign on’ but it is not always possible and you may have to enter different passwords to get where you are going.
- Windows allows you to password protect all the way down to individual files. It is up to you to remember all your passwords.
- The networks are designed to give you appropriate access to information. Not everyone on a network receives the same level of access. Any change in a person’s level of access must be requested from administration.