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The Internet and connected devices make our lives easier, but they also increase the risk of theft, fraud, and abuse. No individual, department, or institution is immune to cyber risk. The tips below cover both the physical security of your devices and good habits for staying safe online.
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
- Use a strong, unique password for every account. Length and unpredictability matter more than frequent changes.
- Change a password immediately if you suspect it has been compromised, or if you're notified of a breach involving that account.
- 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.
Protect Yourself Online
- Enable multi-factor authentication. MFA adds a second layer of protection beyond your password, so a stolen or guessed password alone isn't enough to access your account.
- Enable MFA on any personal accounts that support it (email, banking, social media).
- Never approve an MFA prompt you didn't request. If you receive one unexpectedly, deny it and change your password immediately.
Recognizes Phishing and Social Engineering
- Phishing emails, texts, and phone calls try to trick you into revealing credentials or personal information, or into clicking malicious links or attachments.
- Watch for urgent or threatening language, unexpected requests for personal or financial information, mismatched sender addresses, and links that don't match the claimed destination.
- Be skeptical of anything that sounds too good to be true. Things like prize notifications, surprise refunds, and urgent “account problems” are classic lures.
- Never click links or open attachments from unknown or unexpected senders.
- Do not by replying to the suspicious message.
- Report suspicious emails to the ITS Service Desk.
Keep Software and Devices Update
- Install operating system, browser, and application updates promptly; many updates patch known security vulnerabilities.
- Enable automatic updates where possible.
- Avoid using devices or software that are no longer supported by the manufacturer.
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.
Secure Your Mobile Device
- Set a screen lock (PIN, password, or biometric) on all phones and tablets.
- Only install apps from official app stores, and review app permissions before granting access.
- Enable remote wipe/find-my-device features in case your device is lost or stolen.
- Your personal device is not approved for student related
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