In the previous Tech Talk, we introduced National Cyber Security Awareness Month. This week, we’ll be examining even more ways to stay safe online.

Tips for email

When in doubt, throw it out. Stop and think before you open attachments or click links in emails. Links in email, instant message, and online posts are often the way cybercriminals compromise your computer. If it looks suspicious, it’s best to delete it.

Two resources you can use when you receive an email that claims to be from Cornell:

• Verified Communications, which lists official emails currently being sent out
• The Phish Bowl, with examples of malicious email known to be circulating
   

Protect yourself against ransomware with EZ-Backup.

It’s vital to make backups or copies of all your important work. Data can be lost in many ways including computer malfunctions, malware, theft, viruses, and accidental deletion. Cornell's EZ-Backup service is available for faculty and staff. https://it.cornell.edu/ez-backup

Guard your devices.

In order to prevent theft and unauthorized access, never leave your laptop or mobile device unattended in a public place. Set them to automatically lock when they're not used for a while.

Report anything suspicious.

If you experience any unusual problems with your computer or device that you suspect may be due to being compromised, contact the IT Service Desk at https://it.cornell.edu/support

Use passphrases instead of passwords.

Learn more at https://it.cornell.edu/ncsam/talking-about-passphrases

Learn more about cybersecurity

Online social services are a big part of modern life, but how much do you know about what “they” know, and share, about you? Learn more at "Trading Our Privacy," presented by Cornell's IT Security Office, Oct. 26 at 10 a.m., 224 Weill Hall.

Watch for weekly updates and information about in-person events you can attend to learn more and protect your devices at it.cornell.edu/secure. You can also follow @cornell_it and #CyberAware on Twitter for information about how to stay safe online.

Tech Training Spotlight

Want to learn how to be able to create presentations, format slides, draw objects or add graphics in PowerPoint? Register now for the half-day PowerPoint 2016 Basic class scheduled for Dec. 5.

To receive training announcements, send an email with the subject: join to IT-Training-L-request@cornell.edu. For a complete listing of technical training resources, see http://www.it.cornell.edu/training. Email questions to workshop-info@cornell.edu.