Data Privacy
Respecting Privacy, Safeguarding Data and Enabling Trust is the theme for Data Privacy Day (DPD), an international effort held annually on January 28 to create awareness about the importance of privacy and protecting personal information.
Help your family, friends and community be #PrivacyAware. Use the following research-based privacy tips to get the conversation started.
Personal information is like money. Value it. Protect it.
Information about you, such as your purchase history or location, has value ‒ just like money. Be thoughtful about who gets that information and how it's collected through apps and websites.
Keep a clean machine.
Keep all software, operating systems (mobile and PC) and apps up to date to protect against data loss from infections and malware.
Check your privacy settings.
Want to view or change your privacy/security settings, but don't know where to find them? Click here for an easy to use resource with direct links to update your privacy settings on popular devices and online services.
What you post can last a lifetime.
Before posting online think about how it might be perceived now and in the future and who might see it.
Own your online presence.
Set the privacy and security settings on web services and devices to your comfort level for information sharing. It’s ok to limit how and with whom you share information.
Be aware of what’s being shared.
Be aware that when you share a post, picture or video online, you may also be revealing information about others.
Post only about others as you have them post about you.
The golden rule applies online as well. Be thoughtful when and how you share information with others.
Think before you act.
Be wary of communications that implore you to act immediately, offer something that sounds too good to be true or ask for personal information.
Get two steps ahead.
Switch on two-step verification or multi-factor authentication wherever offered to prevent unauthorized access.
Information Security Awareness and Training
Passwords
Learn how to create an effective password/passphrase to help keep your accounts secure.
Computer Security
Find out more about Passwords, Antivirus, Firewalls and Updates that will help keep your computer and devices secure.
Smart Online Behavior
Learn how to detect email phishing attacks and learn tips about safely browsing the internet.
Mobile Devices
Learn more about keeping your apps secure as well as tips on recovering your devide if it is lost or stolen.
2015 Cyber Security Awareness Videos
Creating A Passphrase
An important step to protecting yourself online is to learn how to create a strong password. If someone steals your password, they may be able to access your bank accounts, social media sites, personal information and they may even be able to steal your identity.
Instead of using long, complex passwords that can be difficult to remember, we recommend that you use a passphrase. A passphrase is a simple phrase or sentence that is easy for you to remember, but difficult for others to guess.
An example of a passphrase might be: “What is a Seawolf?”
The strongest passphrases use capital letters, symbols, and the maximum number of characters allowed by the website or program.
Dangers of Email Phishing
The best defense against email phishing attacks is common sense. Follow these guidelines below to avoid being a victim of a phishing email.
Don't open any links you do not recognize, especially if they are from someone you do not know.
If you need to open a link, copy and paste the link into the browser and verify that it is going to a trusted source. If not, it is most likely a phishing attempt.
Only open attachments you are expecting from your contacts.
Secure Your Data on the Cloud
Follow these tips in order to help secure your data on the cloud:
Authentication: A unique and strong passphrase/password will help to protect your account.
Sharing Files/Folders: Set your sharing settings to private by default. Share with individuals or groups on an as needed basis.
Sharing Files/Folders Using Links: Anyone with a link to these shared files/folder will have access as long as the link remains active. Be sure to disable links once they are no longer needed.
Settings: Familiarize yourself with your Cloud providers default settings.
Antivirus: Ensure the latest version of your antivirus is installed on your computer, and other computers where your data is shared.
Backup: In addition to Cloud backups, perform your own local backups.
Keeping Your Computer Secure
This video discusses the importance of computer security. There are many ways to keep your computer secure including:
Using A Passphrase/Password: Set a password for your computer and be sure to use it!
Installing Antivirus: Be sure your computer has antivirus software on it but only one. Stony Brook students, faculty, and staff can get Symantec Antivirus free through Softweb.
Using a Firewall: A firewall acts like a wall between your computer and outside connections, helping to protect you.
Updating Your Device: Computers need to be updated regularly to keep current with any updates.
Device ID Records: For all your devices be sure to record their serial numbers and Wi-Fi/MAC addresses. In the case of a lost/stolen device, these numbers can be used to help recover your device.
Past Cyber Security Events
Browse our image gallery of past cyber security events to see how we are spreading awareness around campus on the importance of cyber security.
Additional Information
Please Contact
Information Security Team
- information_security@stonybrook.edu
- (631) 632-6238