Using Technology Responsibly Best Practices for Safe and Savvy Technology Use

Tips for Becoming a “Web Wise” & Tech-Savvy College Student

Keep a Clean Machine

• Use reputable security software and ensure that it scans for threats regularly
• Anti-virus
• Anti-malware
• Anti-spyware
• Don’t bypass or disable security protocols
• Keep security software up-to-date
• Protect all devices that connect to the internet
• Don’t forget about external devices like flash drives

Connect with Caution

• Access Wi-Fi hotspots wisely
• Pay attention to the networks you connect to
• Set tighter privacy controls for public networks
• Don’t conduct sensitive business on public Wi-Fi
• Make sure you’re using secure sites for all financial transactions
• Protect your accounts with strong passwords and additional identity-verification measures

Create Strong Passwords

• Minimum length of 8 characters
• Include at least 3 different types of characters: Uppercase letters (A B C) Lowercase letters (a b c) Numbers (1 2 3) Symbols (@ & % * ? / + ~)
• NO personal information e.g., pet’s name, significant dates, favorite teams, etc.
• NO dictionary words or names
• NO reverse-spelled words or common substitutions e.g., regrubeseehc, LuvDaPir@tez1, 3L!z@b3t4

Don’t Even Think About Using These Passwords…

• password
• 123456
• 12345678
• abc123
• qwerty
• monkey
• letmein
• dragon
• 111111
• baseball
• iloveyou
• trustno1
• 1234567
• sunshine
• master
• 123123
• welcome
• shadow
• ashley
• football
• jesus
• michael
• ninja
• mustang
• password1

These are the 25 “Worst Passwords of 2012” as compiled by SplashData, a company that makes password management software

More Password Tips

• Change passwords regularly
• Use a different password for each account
• Store passwords securely
• Write it down and lock it up
• Use a password manager
• Do not share your password with anyone
• Choose security questions and answers wisely