National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) - Week # 2
National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) - Week # 2 - 2017-10-11
We are excited to kick off the second week of National Cyber Security Awareness Month. For this week, we are focusing on the security of WiFi networks; both public and at home.
Although convenient, public WiFi connections are typically not secure. Your home or personal WiFi may also present security risks if not set up properly.
The NJIT WiFi network (NJITsecure) is secured using industry standard and proven security practices and is safe to use for all transactions. However, most public WiFi in retail stores, hotels, airports, and conferences are configured for convenience rather than security.
The danger is that most public WiFi networks aren’t secure at all and can leave you vulnerable to identity theft and computer viruses.
Public WiFi precautions:
- Verify the validity of the wireless network with the establishment;
- NEVER access financial, medical or other sensitive data;
- Don’t shop online and enter your credit card information or passwords;
- Never use it for anything that requires a password, only use it for general web browsing;
- Use NJIT VPN while accessing NJIT services. This will provide additional security for your wireless use;
Remember that any communication that is not encrypted can be seen and captured on an unsecured WiFi network.
Home WiFi precautions:
- Change the default username and password when setting up your home Wireless router;
- Choose a strong and unique password for your wireless network;
- Enable your WiFi router’s strongest security features, such as WPA2 AES;
- Make sure your home WiFi access is password protected (even your guest network); because “drive-by hackers” or your neighbors could gain access to your wireless network, steal your personal information, or participate in illegal online activities that could trace back to you;
- Disable remote access;
Here is a short video highlighting the best practices when using public wifi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcghUy-8VRA.
Come visit us in the Campus Center on October 18th 10am-2pm with any questions regarding Cyber Security. There will be giveaways. Also stop by to take a quiz for a chance to win a prize.
Cyber security is our shared responsibility, Always STOP, THINK before you click or respond to any type of electronic communication.