October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
During October for Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Information Security Office is highlighting security practices so you can protect your digital identity and Rice resources.
UPDATE YOUR SOFTWARE AND STAY ONE STEP AHEAD OF CYBERCRIMINALS!
One of the easiest ways to protect accounts and information is to keep software and applications updated. Updates are periodically released to fix software problems and provide security patches for known vulnerabilities.
1. Check for software updates
It’s important to install ALL updates, especially for web browsers, antivirus software, and apps with financial or sensitive information. Devices and applications will usually notify you when the latest software updates become available, but it’s important to check periodically as well. Software updates include devices’ operating systems, programs, and apps.
2. Install updates as soon as possible
When a software update becomes available, especially critical updates, be sure to install them as soon as possible. These updates remove security vulnerabilities in the software that are easy to exploit. Attackers won’t wait, and you shouldn’t either!
3. Turn on automatic updates
Most Faculty and Staff have automatic Operating System updates enabled through the Office of Information Technology. But all Owls should consider turning this on, not just for your operating systems, but for regularly used applications such as Adobe and web browsers. Look up how to turn on auto-updates for your devices and apps, so you can set it and forget it.
For more tips and knowledge about security, please visit our website: iso.rice.edu
Thank you for helping us maintain a culture of security at Rice!
Information Security Office
Rice University