Master the art of cyber self-defence
Unleash your inner cyber warrior and safeguard your valuable data
According to self-defence experts, prevention can be the best protection. For example, locking the car doors after entering your vehicle is one way to practice “habitual security.” Another way is to always be aware of your environment. This means knowing the areas in which you might be the most vulnerable. We can apply the same concept to our devices and data.
Practicing habitual cybersecurity means learning how to spot the signs of attempted fraud and making it difficult for bad actors to access your systems.
Know your most vulnerable areas
Predators use email, text messaging and social media to attempt to steal your personal information. Take steps to protect yourself by learning about threats and how to identify them.
- Learn about different types of email security
- Read about the 7 red flags of phishing.
- Download our 6 tips for staying safe on social media.
Keep bad actors out
Make the following three steps a habit to secure your systems:
- Enable automatic updates on your devices, especially for your operating system, or install updates when prompted.
- Use the UM virtual private network (VPN) when connecting to university systems off-campus. *
- Use the uofm-secure Wi-Fi network on campus and secure your private Wi-Fi network at
* Note: If you are connecting to university systems with a personal device, ensure you are following the Use of Non-University Owned Devices Standard, which requires your devices to be encrypted, password protected and have the latest operating system installed and patched with the latest updates.
Don’t forget to back up your data!
Backing up your data benefits you if you lose your device, accidentally erase files, or experience a security incident. UM Information Services and Technology (IST) recommends that students and staff use the university’s Microsoft 365 cloud service to store their files.
This week’s challenge
- Take this 5-minute Introduction to Ransomware mini-course.
- Visit one of our Cyber Month info booths and ask a question or play a game for a free bag of goodies:
- 17 – Brodie Atrium – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- 18 – University Centre – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.