• Set unique passwords for each application
• Set a strong password to access your computer
• Install a password safe/manager for the safekeeping of your passwords
• Practice unique account, unique password
• Ensure your computer has a timeout requiring password access
• Review the Acadia Password Policy

• Avoid storing sensitive data on thumb drives or hard drives that can be misplaced or stolen
• Understand my responsibilities regarding information privacy and confidentiality
• Update privacy and security settings in all applications
• Perform regular data backups
• Practice safe sharing: "Personal Information does not belong in email".
• Maintain a clean desk
• If not in the office, place device/computer in car trunk or location that is not visible to a passerby.

• Be cautious when clicking on hyperlinks and attachments in both emails and social media
• Learn how to recognize various security traps by taking available training
• If in doubt throw it out.  Verify authenticity by phone or separate email.
• Report concerns. Use the Phish Alert Button or forward to phishalert@acadiau.ca

• Never provide password or other sensitive information in an email or response to an email
• Share with care: avoid transmitting sensitive data via email and other insecure means of communication Instead, use OneDrive, SharePoint or Teams for storing and sharing sensitive information
• Ensure that sensitive data sent by insecure means is encrypted

• Configure your computer to download and install security updates automatically. Due to the number of patches developed in a relatively short span of time, it can become quite cumbersome to manage patches manually
• Patch software on your personal computer
• Update operating system updates as released on your mobile devices
• Ensure you are running the latest versions of your browser, browser plug-ins like Java and Adobe Reader

Practice Safe hygiene on all devices

Treat all devices connected to the internet (phones, fridge, speakers) like a computer, and

• Update to the latest version of the operating system
• Update to the latest version of any applications
• Obtain software and applications from legitimate sources
• Enable Multi-factor authentication, if available
• Install antivirus software, if available
• Disable or uninstall any applications that are not used
• Disable wireless and Bluetooth if not in use
• Enable encryption mechanisms, if available

Smartphones, tablets and other mobile devises are just small computers and experience many of the same security issues. Your pledge to cyber security applies to both your computer and mobile devices:

• Configure a password or passcode on your mobile device
• Install antivirus software, if available
• Ensure that you’re running the latest version of your device’s operating system.
• Ensure that you’re running the latest version of any applications installed on your mobile device
• Disable or uninstall any applications that you don’t use
• Disable wireless and Bluetooth if not in use
• Enable encryption mechanisms, if available
• Regularly back up data stored on your mobile device
• Follow secure disposal practices
• Enable Multi-factor authentication, when available