National Cyber Security Awareness Month
October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month! With help from our partners at KnowBe4, we dedicate every October to further educating the Wayne State University community about cyber security. The resources on this page have been collected to help you better understand actions you can take on your own to secure your data and devices. All year long, the C&IT Information Security Office works tirelessly to protect the university's systems, software, and sensitive data in its daily operations.
Policies | Phishing | Applications |
University Information Security Standards protect your info, devices, and the entire Wayne State community. | Our secure email system keeps you safe from scammers and users have the power to report phishing scams too. | We partner with vendors like DUO Security (two-factor authentication) and Global Protect (VPN) to enforce extra layers of security surrounding sensitive data. We encourage all Warriors to consider how they can protect their own data. Being informed and extra cautious online can help us protect the Wayne State community—and it can also keep you safe outside of the Wayne State network. |
What is Multi-Factor Authentication? |
The Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is an authentication method that adds additional layers of security to your account by requiring you to provide additional verification factors to gain access to your accounts. It protects your accounts and is much more secure than relying on a username and password (one-factor authentication), reducing the chance of being hacked. MFA goes by many names, including Two Factor Authentication, Two-Step Authentication, MFA, and 2FA. MFA is all about authenticating access with two or more factors, which can include:
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How MFA Works |
Once you enable MFA on your online accounts, once you enter your account password, you will be required to provide an authenticator (e.g. text to your phone, email, authentication app, etc.) to verify your identity. The second authenticator prevents hackers from gaining access to your account if your password is compromised. |
MFA at Wayne State University |
Universities and their campus communities are heavily targeted by malicious actors seeking to acquire valuable information and access sensitive systems. Wayne State University uses two forms of MFA to add a second layer of security to access your account and sensitive systems, applications, and information.
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Security practices when working from home
Use WSU-managed device |
Wayne State C&IT recommends using WSU-managed machines for all university-related business. University computers are configured to meet university IT policies and security standards and are updated regularly to ensure compatibility with technology demands in higher education. If you plan on using a personal device, make sure it meets the university's standards for personal devices. When using personal devices:
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Always use VPN |
To minimize the risk of data exposure and password compromise, use the Wayne State University Virtual Private Network (VPN) when working from home. WSU's VPN also provides a simple and secure method for accessing WSU resources normally restricted to on-campus use. This includes access to Banner, Cognos ReportNet and Windows file shares, and also relaying email directly through Wayne Connect (Office 365 online) To find out how to install and use, see WSU Virtual Private Network. |
Secure your home wireless network |
Although wireless networks are extremely convenient and easy to set up, they pose several risks when left unsecured:
Tips for securing your wireless network at home
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Create and maintain secure passwords
It can be hard to keep track of all the passwords you're required to have today. School, work, banking, plus a handful of social media accounts – every corner of our life requires credentials that not only must be secure, but must be easy to remember.
Create strong passwords |
A secure password may be the only line of defense your computer possesses. If you have a weak password, a hacker may easily crack it and access all the information on your computer. Here are some tips to keep in mind when creating passwords:
Wayne State University offers students and employees guidelines for creating a strong password. |
Use a password manager |
A password manager is software that encrypts, stores, and manages passwords. With password managers, you can create unique and strong passwords, store them in one location (encrypted), and use them with just one master password. There are many password managers on the market, and some of the most popular ones include LastPass, KeePass, 1Password, and Apple's iCloud Keychain. Wayne State students can sign up for a free LastPass password manager account. LastPass accounts can be accessed on phones, tablets, laptops, and desktops |
Source: KnowB4
Resources & Guides
Policies and Standards | MFA | |
Work-from-home Security
| Secure Password |