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Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Stay safe from malware

This month, University Technology’s ([U]Tech) Information Security Office is marking National Cybersecurity Awareness Month by sharing information on different facets of cybersecurity.

In its 15th year, the month-long awareness campaign promotes the importance of protecting against hackers, online scammers and other cyber-threats.

This week, the Information Security Office is focusing on staying safe from malware.

The following information is courtesy of the SANS Institute.

Malware is a type of program designed to infect computers and devices. Once installed, malware allows cyber-attackers to spy on your online activities, steal passwords, delete or encrypt files or use your system to attack others.

Here are 10 tips to stay safe from malware:

  1. Use anti-virus software and keep it updated.
  2. Keep operating systems updated and patched.
  3. Install software and apps only from trusted sites.
  4. Only click on links or open attachments in emails you were expecting.
  5. Report incidents, such as if you have been hacked, to the [U]Tech Service Desk at help@case.edu, 216.368.HELP (4357) or case.edu/utech/help.
  6. Do not open unexpected email attachments.
  7. Never pay a ransom to unlock encrypted files.
  8. Do not click on untrusted or suspicious email links.
  9. Do not plug untrusted USB drives into computers or devices.
  10. If your computer has been infected, don’t try to fix the problems. Report it instead.

Visit the [U]Tech’s Information Security Office website for security tips and news.