As part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, brought to you by CU’s Office of Information Security (OIS), we will share a way to enhance your security every week in October. This week, we are highlighting more efficient ways to reduce risk.

There are multiple ways to ensure a safe working environment and as part of the CU community, you are responsible for using technologies securely.

• Create strong, unique passwords: Weak passwords give cybercriminals easy access to your files and private documents. Be sure to go beyond the minimum requirements and keep your passwords to yourself.
• Be on the lookout for insider threat: An insider threat is the threat that an employee or a contractor will use authorized access to compromise the confidentiality, integrity or availability of private or sensitive information. If you see suspicious behavior, report it to your campus IT or Information Security office.  
• Only use CU approved applications: In order to avoid any malicious software attacks, only use applications and systems approved by the university.
• Protect the privacy of those in the CU community: Only use private information when needed and follow university policies and standards to retain privacy at all times.
• Trust your instinct: If something seems suspicious, it probably is. OIS relies on you to identify and report events that are not routine. You don't have to be an expert. Contact OIS and they'll look into it for you.

Learn more on how to have a secure and safe working environment here.