We highly recommend employees who are working remotely to use university-owned and managed equipment at home. If you must use your own equipment you should not allow other users on it while you're working from home.  Following both of these suggestions will help stop the spread of malware by leaving the system vulnerable to attacks.

Digital & Data Security

1. Keep work data on a work computer or work hard drive.  Using any other devices can put both you and the campus at risk.  If using a work computer is impossible, continue with these suggestions for personally-owned PCs and other devices.
2. Update and patch software.  This includes the operating system, apps, and web browsers.  We suggest a two-week cycle so all vulnerabilities are patched.  If you can enable automatic updates on devices, it is always the best.
3. Avoid public wi-fi.  This type of wi-fi is never a good idea unless you're merely looking something up quickly in a Google search, for example.  NEVER log in to any accounts while on this free wi-fi!
4. Use DirectAccess or Campus VPN when logging into campus systems for that extra layer of security.
5. Frequently save and back up your work.  It is good to back up to a hard drive or USB drive but be sure it is password protected, at a minimum.  The best option is to encrypt it with a password.
6. Install and use antivirus and anti-malware software on your devices. There are many low-cost options available that are worth that piece of mind.
7. Use two-factor authentication (2FA) on any account where it is available.  And when those are available, set multiple recovery options--multiple phone numbers and multiple email addresses.
8. On your personal PC be sure you are not logged into the administrator account.  Create a user with less power so it is harder to install viruses and malware that will steal your data.

Physical Security

1. Protect your devices by keeping them locked in your home.  If you take it with you, do NOT leave it in your vehicle, even if it is locked or in a locked trunk.
2. Password protect all of your devices.  Use a password manager if you can't remember all of your passwords but they should all be different.
3. Lock up your laptop, even at home.  You don't want someone to accidentally damage it or the data on it.  You might also think of a laptop lock.
4. Lock your screens.  You can configure devices to automatically lock after a specific time of inactivity--for example 10-15 minutes.  The shorter this time, the better.
5. If you use a public phone charging station use a USB data blocker--this way if something is fishy with the USB port or unknown cable you are guarded against malware.