Back up U-M data
Back up data to protect U-M and yourself.
Author Archives: Matt Ranville, Information Assurance
Report phish to ReportPhish
Do your part to secure U-M resources by reporting suspected phishing email to ReportPhish@umich.edu .
Password-setting hack yields immediate improvements
Hack with Friends becomes major improvement in just 5 weeks!
Hang up on phone scams
Recognize phone scams and hang up on fraud!
Checking systems for signs of compromise
Worried a system was compromised? Understanding what to look for and when to call for help can give you peace of mind and protect university and personal data.
Security tips for using public WiFi
Use these tips to protect sensitive data when using free WiFi.
Secure your devices
Secure and encrypt your devices to protect U-M and your personal data.
Transfer files before leaving U-M or changing jobs
If you are changing jobs, retiring, or leaving U-M, move any files needed for university business somewhere that your colleagues can access and set appropriate permissions. This includes files on your computer; files in Google at U-M, Dropbox at U-M, and other online storage; and MCommunity groups. Use shared storage space when you can It is best to… Read More »
Ask the ITS IA Experts
Students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend office hours with ITS Information Assurance experts. Come ask your IT security and privacy questions!
Manage MCommunity groups used for U-M business
Groups used for U-M business, such as email and providing access to resources, require proper management to prevent interruption of important work-related activities.
Secure personal devices used with U-M data
Following these guidelines to secure personal devices that you use for working with U-M data protects you and the university.
Check Safe Computing’s “In the Media” for IT security and privacy news
Stay up to date on IT security and privacy stories with Safe Computing’s In the Media section.
Restart your web browser for security updates
It’s important to remember to restart your web browser so that updates can be applied, and your browsing can be as secure as possible.
Practice and encourage good digital citizenship
Do your part to support online civility and practice and promote good digital citizenship.
Six Words About Privacy in EDUCAUSE Review
Svetla Sytch, assistant director of privacy and IT policy, described some of ITS Information Assurance’s privacy engagement efforts in a January 28 EDUCAUSE Review blog post: Data Privacy Day 2021 Outreach: Six Words about Privacy. In the blog post, Sytch explained that Six Words About Privacy at U-M came about through conversations with the chief information security officers… Read More »
Securely dispose of your old tech
If you are adding or upgrading to new tech devices, you might have old ones that you, or U-M unit, are ready to dispose of. Old disks, flash drives, smartphones, and computers can all contain personal data, and in some cases, U-M data if you used those devices for work. Keep that data from falling into the wrong… Read More »
New IoT devices for the holidays? Mind your privacy & security!
Internet of things (IoT) devices can be great gifts, but those smart home speakers, thermostats, and cool wearables like watches and fitness trackers come with some security and privacy risks. To protect yourself and your personal data, follow these tips: Privacy Mute your smart speaker when not using it. Disable features you don’t use. Choose privacy settings for… Read More »
Shop online safely
As the holidays approach and the pandemic continues, you are highly likely to be doing more online shopping. Protect yourself from scams and data theft with these tips from ITS Information Assurance. Shop with trustworthy sites and sellers. Stick to businesses you know and trust, and compare descriptions and prices from multiple sellers to help spot scams. Be… Read More »
Check systems for signs of compromise
Has a system you are responsible for been compromised? How would you know? What should you do? Almost all IT professionals at some time in their career have faced these questions. Information Assurance (IA) offers guidance for checking your systems for signs of compromise, or simply suspicious activity. Start by checking system and software logs for the following… Read More »
Secure your devices
If you are working from home, you may be using some of your personal devices to take care of U-M business. Make sure they are appropriately secured to protect yourself and U-M. If you access or maintain sensitive university data with your devices, you are responsible for securing them. See: Security of Personally Owned Devices That Access or… Read More »