Security Awareness Tips and Guidelines for Everyone:
- Be aware of online scams - don't get lured by phishing! Report any attempts to get your username, password, or other personal information to phish@appstate.edu. Don't share your password, and never enter your password on a website without making sure you are in the right place. Appalachian ITS will never ask for your password!
- Use Good Passwords and Keep them Safe: Use passwords with letters, numbers, and symbols - for each account. If you need help remembering your passwords, use a password vault like KeePass.
- Review your Social Media Privacy settings - customize your privacy settings and think about what you share.
- Don't link your social media accounts together - one hacked account gives the hacker access to all linked accounts.
- Be aware of online scams - don't get lured by phishing!
- Log Out before you walk away from a public computer - log out of your MountaineerApps account and the public computer.
- Keep clean machines and back up your files - Make sure your device and software are set to install regular updates and use Antivirus software. Back up your files with an external device and/or Mountaineer Drive.
- Use https - whenever you transmit confidential information to a website.
- Be careful where you click:
- Use official sites like Google Play Store to download apps, and review what they want to access.
- Don't open questionable email attachments or click on ads on websites.
For Faculty and Staff
In addition to the security tips outlined above, Faculty and Staff:
- Keep your office computer on 1 night during the week to get IT updates.
- Lock your computer when you step away.
- Know our Guidelines for Storing & Sharing University Information
- Use uDesk -- a remote virtual Windows desktop that runs on your computer -- when appropriate. If you visit a site with malware in uDesk, your computer won't be infected.
- Back up your files to uStor P: drive.
- Use a secure wireless connection - Use "asu" secure wireless network, or use ASU VPN when you connect to public wireless.
Security and Awareness Training
Need to Report a Security Awareness Concern?
If you ever have information security concerns, contact the ITS Support Help Desk at (828) 262-6266 or email support@appstate.edu
- See our security.appstate.edu website for policies, standards, guidelines & tips!
- Enter a support ticket at support.appstate.edu
- Contact your ITS Consultant or our Help Desk at (828) 262-6266
- Get help with your personal devices at our Technology Support Center
- Visit the Technology Support Center in Room 140 of Anne Belk Hall (Exterior entrance located directly across from Rankin Science)
Questions? Contact security@appstate.edu
Thank You! Thank you for your commitment to keeping Appalachian's electronic information secure!