General Security Tips

Physical Security of Devices

• Never leave devices unattended in public or unsecured areas (e.g., libraries, cafés, classrooms).
• Always lock your screen when stepping away, even briefly.
• If a MSU Denver-owned device is lost or stolen, report it immediately to the ITS Service Desk.

Secure Disposal of Devices

• Before recycling or discarding any device (laptop, phone, USB drive), wipe all data securely.
• Thieves often target discarded electronics for data theft.
• For MSU Denver-owned equipment, contact the ITS Service Desk for secure disposal assistance.

Manage Your Passwords

• Keep your passwords up-to-date, and change them often.
• Never use a short or weak password.
• Avoid reusing passwords across accounts.
• Consider a password manager to store and generate strong passwords.
• See Choosing a Strong Password for more details.

Never Share Your Login Information

• Your login is yours alone. Never share it with anyone.
• ITS will never ask for your password via email, phone, or text.

Beware of Public Charging Stations

• Avoid plugging your device into unknown USB ports, they may be compromised.
• Use your own charger or a USB data blocker (a “charge-only” cable) to prevent data theft.

Use Secure Wi-Fi on Campus

• Always connect to AurariaNet or MSUDenver Wi-Fi networks. These networks are more secure than using free, unsecured Wi-Fi networks that do not require passwords. This is because your data is encrypted when it's transferred through the official, secured networks.
• See What are MSU Denver's Wi-Fi networks? to learn how to connect to these networks with various devices.