Stay Secure While Working and Teaching Remotely

As our work and learning go remote, we all need to be hyper-vigilant about good cyber hygiene practices. Here are some critical steps that all of us can take to protect our online safety and security.

When working remotely, employees are responsible for keeping documents, sensitive data and other work-related materials confidential and secure.

Employees must comply with the guidelines of proper use of information technology per the Policy for Acceptable Use of UCSC Electronic Information Resources

Report Incidents

Promptly report violations. If you suspect or witness a Security Event, report it as soon as possible.

Top 5 Areas of Security Risk for Remote Working

The security of the university’s data and resources relies on your wise choices

1. Computer Equipment
   • All devices, whether personally or university owned, must meet minimum security standards
   • Devices must be patched, password protected, running supported operating systems and anti-malware, and encrypted.
2. Home Wireless Network
   • Use a strong password and current encryption protocols.
   • Unsecured networks or public wifi should be avoided.
3. Social Engineering
   • Scams and phishing emails are targeting people's growing fears of the coronavirus.
   • Social engineering attacks will increase during this crisis, this is a top risk that you will face.
4. Physical Security
   • Keep work laptops and devices physically secure at all times while working remotely.
   • Lock your screen, lock your doors, lock up your laptop.
5. Family/Guests
   • Consider the impact of family and guests for work-related devices and activities.
   • Avoid using a shared home computer, and don’t let others use your work computer.

At times Cybersecurity may seem overwhelming, however by following these simple, basic steps you will go a long way to protecting yourself and the university’s data and resources. In addition, everything you will be learning not only applies to work but will help protect your family and personal life, ultimately creating a far more Cybersecure home.