Author Archives: Matt Martin, Information Assurance (IA)
Ransomware is malicious software that can infect and encrypt files on your computers and other devices, preventing you from accessing them. Criminals use it to threaten victims with loss of their data unless they pay ransom in return for a “key” to unlock their folders, files, and devices. Ransomware typically gets on devices when people open infected email… Read More »
You can add protection for additional U-M systems, and for your personal information in Wolverine Access Employee Self-Service, by turning on two-factor for Weblogin. Two-factor provides additional security in case your UMICH (Level-1) password is stolen. The U-M Information Assurance team strongly recommends that you turn on two-factor to better protect your UMICH account and U-M systems and… Read More »
Have you ever seen a pop-up on your computer or received an unsolicited call urging you to contact “tech support?” Scammers sometimes impersonate IT support staff and claim something is wrong with your computer. They offer to help fix the problem—for a fee—but instead may steal your personal information or infect your computer with malicious software. This… Read More »
You put U-M systems and data at risk if you use your UMICH (Level-1) password for non-university services. If you use your UMICH email address and password to establish a personal account (for example, at LinkedIn), and that information is exposed in a data breach, your UMICH account is now at risk. If you have used your UMICH… Read More »
Whether you are planning a vacation or professional trip, you will likely take along a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or other mobile device. Follow these tips to safeguard both your own and the university’s data. Before you travel Consider taking a device you only use for travel. Securely back up data stored on your device(s) or media. Prepare for… Read More »
Are you going on a trip where you’ll need to use two-factor authentication (Duo)? Duo offers multiple options to meet your needs when traveling. You may be able to use your regular Duo two-factor option or need an alternative method depending on your travel destination. If you haven’t yet turned on two-factor for Weblogin to protect your personal… Read More »
Protect your privacy and stay secure when using social media sites and apps. Before you post, tweet, or share, pay attention to privacy by following some simple guidelines. For example, strive to “undershare” (rather than overshare), avoid sharing your location, and be aware that anonymous doesn’t mean untraceable. These tips and more are on the Social Media Privacy page… Read More »
If you use a wireless internet connection at home, secure your network so that only those you allow can access it. There are two basic steps to securing your home wireless connections: Update all your Internet-enabled devices with the latest operating systems, web browsers, and security software. This includes any mobile devices that access your wireless network, such as… Read More »
Security is everyone’s responsibility. If you use your personal devices—smartphone, laptop, tablet, and so on—for work, you are responsible for appropriately securing and managing them, as well as for meeting the obligations described in Security of Personally Owned Devices that Access or Maintain Sensitive Institutional Data (SPG 601.33). Your unit may have additional restrictions beyond those found in… Read More »
Beware: Identity thieves can file fraudulent tax returns in your name and steal your tax refund. Last year, criminals filed false returns for people across the nation, including several U-M employees. Information Assurance (IA) offers the following tips to help you protect yourself from identity theft and tax fraud: Turn on two-factor authentication for Weblogin to add extra… Read More »
With the holiday season just around the corner, you may be getting ready to do some online shopping. See Online Shopping Tips to Protect Your Personal Information on the Safe Computing website for tips to help you protect your personal information and devices when you shop online. The tips fall into three categories: Secure your environment Know who… Read More »
For the past thirteen years, Information Assurance (IA) has engaged UM-Ann Arbor students, including medical students, with a basic quiz designed to raise awareness of IT security issues. This year’s quiz resulted in the highest completion rate yet! From October 30 through November 3, 2017, a total of 7,864 students participated. This is 17 percent of those who… Read More »
Anti-phishing education is more important than ever. Learn how to recognize and deal with phishing in a new 10–15 minute online course.
Two-factor for Weblogin protects your personal information when logging in to services via the Weblogin page (the login screen for Wolverine Access, U-M Google, and more).