OVERVIEW
Target audience: McGill faculty, students, and staff
Whenever you’re connected online, your personal information, computer, and devices are vulnerable to a variety of cyber threats, such as malware, attempts to steal your credentials, harvest your data, or even spy on your activities. Following these safety guidelines will help reduce the risk to your data, devices, and systems.
In this article:
Stay safe from malware
What is malware?
Malware is a type of program designed to infect computers and devices. This includes viruses, ransomware, and other malicious programs. Once installed, malware allows cyber attackers to spy on your online activities, steal passwords, delete or encrypt files, or use your system to attack others.
Stay safe
- Use security software (antivirus), and keep it updated.
- Set up automatic backups for the data you want to keep and can’t easily replace.
- Keep your operating systems updated and patched.
- Install software and apps only from trusted sites.
- Only click on links or open attachments in emails you were expecting.
- Report IT Security incidents. We are here to help.
Stop malware
- Do not open unexpected email attachments.
- Never pay a ransom to unlock encrypted files.
- Do not click on suspicious email links.
- Do not plug in unknown USB devices or drives.
- If your work computer has been infected, don't try to fix the problem. Report it instead.
Safety essentials for your mobile device
- It’s important to be cautious about which Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth connections you accept, and what data you share through them while they're connected.
- Keep it locked: Use an automatic screen lock on all your mobile devices. This protects your device in case it is lost or stolen.
- Enable remote wiping: Remote wiping acts like a digital eraser when a device is lost or stolen. If your information no longer exists, no one can access it. Learn how to
- Update the operating system: Set auto-updates to keep your device operating system and any mobile apps current.
- Before installing any apps, do a safety check:
- Only download apps from trusted sources, like your device manufacturer’s app store.
- Review the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
- What permissions does the app require for installation? Look out for apps asking for access to data or device features that aren’t necessary or relevant for them to function.
- Do a privacy and security checkup of your existing apps:
- Limit app permissions so they only have access while you’re using the app.
- Remove any unnecessary permissions
- Uninstall unused apps, and if your device offers an option to pause app activity if unused, turn on that feature.
- Turn off location services when you don't need to use them.
- Report it: If you lose or have any work-related mobile devices stolen, report it immediately.
ADDITIONAL REFERENCES: