Two students with laptops outside in the Fall

Cybersecurity Tips to Start the Year Right

October 1, 2025

Welcome back, Spiders! Whether you’re a returning student, a new member of the faculty and staff, or just settling into your first semester on campus, we hope your summer was filled with rest, sunshine, and maybe a few great books. As you dive into the semester—finding your classes, reconnecting with friends, and meeting your professors—don’t forget to make cybersecurity part of your back-to-school checklist. 

Here are a few simple and important ways to protect yourself and the University’s digital environment: 

Keep Your Software Up to Date 

  • Enable automatic updates on your devices. Software updates often include security patches that protect against known vulnerabilities. 

Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) 

  • MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second form of verification when logging into accounts. If you haven’t already, enroll in MFA for your University accounts—it’s one of the easiest ways to prevent unauthorized access. 

Use a VPN When on Public Wi-Fi 

  • A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet traffic, especially important when using public or unsecured Wi-Fi. Faculty and staff should ensure they are using the University-provided VPN when accessing internal resources remotely. 

Install Reputable Antivirus Software 

  • Antivirus software adds an essential layer of defense against malware and other threats. Make sure your antivirus is legitimate and up to date. 

Use Strong, Unique Passwords—Consider a Password Manager 

  • Avoid reusing passwords. A strong password is long, complex, and unique to each account. Password managers make it easier to store and manage secure logins. 

Start the year right by staying cyber-aware. A few simple habits can go a long way in protecting your personal data and the campus community. Here’s to a great semester and staying Spider Secure!