Safeguarding Your Internet Browsing
Safeguarding Your Internet Browsing
February 01, 2024
In an era where technology plays an integral role in our academic and personal lives, faculty, staff, and students must prioritize internet safety. Adopting a proactive approach to protect sensitive information and maintain the integrity of academic pursuits, will help to ensure a secure online environment for all.
Why Internet Safety Matters at UBC:
- Protecting Personal and Academic Data: UBC stores a wealth of personal and academic data. From student records to ground-breaking research, these repositories are attractive targets for cybercriminals. Adhering to internet safety measures helps safeguard this information from unauthorized access, identity theft, and data breaches.
- Preserving Academic Integrity: UBC thrives on trust and integrity. Cybersecurity lapses can compromise this trust by enabling plagiarism, unauthorized access to academic resources, or even the manipulation of research findings. By prioritizing internet safety, we contribute to maintaining the credibility of our academic endeavors.
- Mitigating Cyber Threats: The digital landscape is rife with cyber threats such as malware, phishing attacks, and ransomware. Vigilance in adhering to internet safety guidelines serves as a frontline defense against these threats, preventing potential disruptions to university operations.
Quick Tips for Staying Safe on the Web:
- Beware of Phishing: Phishing messages can come in many different disguises, from sophisticated deception to obvious fraud. Watch for the [CAUTION: Non-UBC Email] banner at the top of emails. Emails from UBC colleagues and services will NOT have this banner applied. Do not click on links in messages. Always type the website address into your browser. If in doubt, forward the email as an attachment to security@ubc.ca. If you think you have clicked on a potentially malicious link, contact security@ubc.ca immediately and reset your CWL password.
- Be Cautious on Social Media: Adjust privacy settings on social media platforms to control who can access your personal information. Avoid sharing sensitive data publicly and be wary of friend requests or messages from unknown individuals.
- Backup Important Data: Regularly back up academic and personal data to prevent loss in a cyber incident. University-approved cloud-based services or external hard drives are convenient for safeguarding important files.
- Educate Yourself: Visit the Privacy Matters @ UBC website frequently to stay informed about the latest cyber threats and best practices for online safety. The more you know, the better equipped you are to identify and mitigate potential risks.