For the past 19 years, the month of October has been used to advocate cybersecurity awareness across the U.S. LCC faces cyber threats every day. Our network is constantly probed for weaknesses, sometimes reaching over 100,000 attacks per day – that’s more than 1 attack per second! Similarly, LCC students receive emails, phone calls and texts from criminals asking for your network credentials, credit card numbers and Social Security numbers.

The good news is we can minimize the impact of cyber thieves. In the spirit of this awareness month, LCC offers the following information security tips to protect you from cyber threats.

• Password, pin and/or thumbprint protect your phones, tablets and computers
• Encrypt your device
• Install, use and update antivirus software
• Install the latest software updates
• Wipe the device before selling, recycling or donating
• Remove unnecessary software and apps
• Enable and configure a firewall
• Routinely (at least monthly) backup your data
• Practice safe computing – For example, do not open unsolicited attachments or follow unsolicited links in email messages, use caution when downloading files, and avoid suspicious websites.
• Secure your home network – Ensure that all devices on your home network are secured properly with antivirus software and a firewall. You should also change the default password on your home wireless router and configure a password-protected WPA2 wireless network. And finally, keep your software updated on your home routers.
• Never send Social Security number or credit card numbers via email – It’s the equivalent of entering your Social Security or credit card number into an unencrypted website, or mailing the information on a postcard! Encrypt the information using encryption features in Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat PDF.
• Don’t reuse passwords – Use unique passwords for every account/website. Write down the passwords or use a password manger, such as Keepass (it’s free!)
• Be physical aware! Mobile devices should never be left in a car or unattended.
• Be careful on public Wifi – Don’t handle confidential information on public Wifi, because it can be extracted. Also, be careful to join the correct Wifi network, because names can be spoofed by criminals.
• Be careful on social media – Remember that the Internet is public and permanent.

You can get more information on how to implement these recommendations from our Infosecurity How-To Guides.

If you have questions or would like further information, contact LCC’s Director of Information Security Paul Schwartz at schwarp1@lcc.edu.