October Safety Tip of the Month: Cybersecurity

October 12, 2010 — Cyber threat has become one of the most serious economic and national security challenges we face.

Every Internet user has a role to play in securing cyberspace and ensuring the safety of ourselves, our families, and our communities online. Here are a few steps that you can take to stay safe online and strengthen our collective cybersecurity efforts all year long:

•    Know who you're dealing with online
•    Keep your Web browsers and operating system up to date
•    Back up important files
•    Protect children online [
•    Use security software tools as your first line of defense
•    Use strong passwords or strong authentication technology to help protect your personal information
•    Learn what to do if something goes wrong

For information, contact the Information Security, Policy and Records Office, visit the Department of Homeland Security U.S. Cyber Emergency Response Team (US-CERT) Cybersecurity Tips or visit Stay Safe Online.

The Safety Tip of the Month is provided by the University of Virginia's Office of Emergency Preparedness at 434-982-0565 or uvaoep@virginia.edu.