Security Links

Practicing Safe Computing

Protect Our Network

Faculty, staff, students, and our visitors all need to help protect our NKU Network and digital devices by practicing safe computing.  Each of us has a responsibility to keep our network and computers safe, protected, and guarded from intrusions, theft, and malicious behavior.  It is your responsibility to follow our Acceptable Use Policy and safeguard NKU systems, networks, data, and other forms of electronic information by practicing SAFE COMPUTING HABITS.

Be cautious and do not automatically trust any information you receive from others via email, web social networks, or messaging networks. The Internet was built upon trust, but over time, a lot has changed on the World Wide Web, and we all need to do our part to BE SAFE!  And remember - NEVER EVER SHARE YOUR PASSWORD in any way.

The following tips are intended to help guide you in your computer safety whether on NKU's campus, at home, or anywhere you use computers in your everyday life:

NEVER Share Passwords, SSN, Credit Card, or other Confidential Information

• Passwords, Account information, Social Security Numbers, banking and credit card data should NEVER be shared in any form of electronic means.
• NKU and other legitimate businesses will never request this type of information from you in any way.
• Phishing and other forms of scams are increasing in frequency and sophistication and will attempt to get information from you that can result in service disruptions, data breaches, intrusions, malware, viruses, or worse - identity theft and financial fraud. 
• Never store sensitive data on unsecure laptops, USBs, CDs, etc., without proper encryption practices.
• It is your responsibility to keep sensitive data safe and uncompromised.
• For more information concerning Student Information Safety see the official FERPA web site. 

Keep Your Operating System Updated

• Keep your computer up-to-date by installing the latest critical and security patches. 
• To make the job easier use the following links to automate the process:
  • Windows
  • MAC

Turn On Your Operating System's Firewall

• A firewall is simply a program or hardware device that filters the information coming through the Internet connection into your private network or computer. It restricts traffic that you don't want (i.e. viruses, spam, etc.) and provides a second layer of protect to network firewalls.
• To see additional information regarding firewalls, see:
  • Windows
  • MAC

Use Your Antivirus Regularly

• Antivirus software will help detect and protect your computer against viruses. 
• Be sure your Antivirus is installed, and up-to-date.  Also SCAN your computer regularly (such as weekly) for viruses.  For more information visit the NKU Antivirus page.
• Some antivirus software includes scanning engines for malware and spyware.

Use "Strong" Passwords

• NKU Password policy enforces changes at least every 90 days. 
• Your Password should be at least eight characters long, and should be a mixture of UPPERCASE (A-Z), lowercase (a-z), digits (0-9), special characters (@#$%&*).
• DO NOT store your password information anywhere near your computer. Your safest storage for passwords is IN YOUR HEAD! 
• For more information, visit the NKU Password site.

Back Up Your Hard Drive Regularly

• Backups can minimize damage if viruses or other threats invade your computer. You can be back up and running quickly if you have properly backed up your files. Follow the links below to learn how to back up information using your network storage space or a CD.
  • Faculty & Staff Network Storage
  • Connect To Student Network Storage (Windows)  
  • Connect To Student Network Storage (MacOSX)  
  • Back Up Your Data Via CD (Roxio)

Lock and Disable Your Computer When You Step Away

• Just as you lock your car or your home, always lock your computer before you leave your desk or your workstation. 
• At the end of the day shutdown your PC and turn your monitor off. You can lock your PC easily by hitting Alt/Ctrl/Del simultaneously and selecting Lock Computer.
  • Locking Your PC (Hit control, alt, delete, and select Lock Computer.)
  • Mac - Automatic Screensaver

Logoff/Signoff

• No matter what applications and services you are using on your computer, it is a best practice to Log Out or Sign Off when you step away or no longer need the application or web site, especially those applications which are associated with student or sensitive data.

Never Use Email or Instant Message to Communicate Sensitive Data

• Never provide Social Security numbers, account information, credit card numbers, educational records or other sensitive information in any form e-mail or electronic messaging. 
• Never store sensitive data on unsecure laptops, USBs, CDs, etc., without proper encryption practices.
• It is your responsibility to keep sensitive data safe and uncompromised.
• For more information concerning Student Information Safety see the official FERPA web site.

Do Not Trust Attachments or Links

• Use caution when reading email or other communications with attachments or downloading files. 
• NEVER do the following:
  • Open attachments from unknown people or organizations you are not familiar with.
  • Download unlicensed software, music, video or other forms of copyright materials.

No Phishing!

• Phishing is a form of identity theft. 
• NKU, as well as any reputable business or bank will NEVER request your password or account information via email, web or other electronic requests. 
• Be aware of these attempts, never respond with your information. If you suspect a Phishing attempt is being made, report this to abuse@nku.edu.

Understand and Follow NKU's Policies and Rules For Information Security

• If you need security assistance at any time please call the IT Service Center at (859) 572-6911 or email itsecurity@nku.edu.  
• Additional information can also be found at Stay Safe Online.
• And remember to BE SAFE when using your computer at work, home or anywhere!