Early Bird

New cybersecurity series to help keep technology systems and their users safe

As reports of cyberattacks against higher education increase, ITS is providing tips and tools to protect the University by securing your devices, your data and yourself.

By Corey Oxenbury

September 26, 2019

Every day, more Metropolitan State University of Denver community members engage digitally with colleagues, businesses, partners, friends and family. However, the technology that connects us also puts us at risk from digital threats. While cybersecurity used to mean just choosing a good password, today’s digital environment requires greater understanding and awareness from all users.

To coincide with National Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, Information Technology Services is publishing a special series throughout the semester to raise awareness about the importance of good cyberhygiene. Supported by President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., this critical information will ensure that all MSU Denver students, faculty and staff have access to knowledge, training and tools to maintain a safe, secure technology environment.

“In today’s world of near-constant cyberattacks, cybersecurity is a shared responsibility,” said Kevin Taylor, MSU Denver’s chief information officer and associate vice president for ITS. “Our ITS professionals have done an outstanding job of anticipating security changes and challenges, but it’s critical for our University community to be aware of threats and actively participate in cybersecurity efforts.”

The first article, Securing Your Device, will cover University-owned and personal devices, including laptops, computers, phones and tablets. Readers will learn how to keep these devices protected with operating-system and software updates, endpoint security software, encryption, physical security and more.

Securing Your Data will address University data in Banner and other systems, personal information shared when browsing the internet and information shared with third parties. This article will focus on privacy and security requirements for University-owned data as well as best practices for securely accessing, storing and sharing data.

Finally, Securing Yourself will discuss social engineering and other strategies that malicious actors might use against you. ITS will share awareness strategies all Roadrunners can use to protect themselves from attacks, such as how to determine the legitimacy of a message or website before providing any protected or sensitive information.

Thank you for helping MSU Denver remain safe and cybersecure. For more information, please contact the ITS Service Desk at 303-352-7548 or support.msudenver.edu.