Week 4 - Guardians of Privacy

Guardians of privacy

As a member of the SDSU community, you are entrusted with a wealth of sensitive information, including student records, research data, and institutional documents. Ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of this data is our collective responsibility. As we conclude Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it is crucial that we take a moment to reflect on our role as guardians of data privacy and security.

Here are some key steps you can take to become effective guardians of data privacy:

• Data Classification: Understand the sensitivity of the data you handle. Classify it appropriately and ensure it is stored and transmitted securely. Learn more about sensitive data storage classification here.
• Access Control: Limit access to data to only those who require it for their responsibilities. Regularly review and update permissions.
• Data Encryption: Encrypt sensitive data at rest and in transit to protect it from unauthorized access.
• Secure Browsing: Use HTTPS websites and be cautious when accessing unfamiliar websites. Avoid downloading files or software from untrustworthy sources.
• Secure Wi-Fi: Be cautious when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. Whenever possible, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your connection.
• Phishing Awareness: Be vigilant when opening email attachments or clicking on links, especially if they seem suspicious. 
• Report Incidents: If you receive a phishing email, please forward the message to [email protected]. Do not attempt to open any links, do not download any attachments, and do not reply to the message. If you believe that your system or account has been compromised, please report the incident to [email protected].