IT Security: Education, Communication, and 2 Factor Authentication
RISD's IT Network Services is constantly working to keep our data and network secure. There are three ways we can work together to increase our security awareness: education, communication and 2FA Authentication.
IT Security Education and Best Practices
The Internet is a powerful and useful tool, but in the same way that you should not drive without buckling your seat belt or ride a bike without a helmet, you shouldn't venture online without taking some basic precautions.
- Keep a Clean Machine: Having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system is the best defense against viruses, malware, and other online threats.
View our help articles: Minimum Computer Requirements and Antivirus Recommendations for Both Mac and Windows Computers
- When in doubt, throw it out: Links in email, tweets, posts, and online advertising are often the way cybercriminals compromise your computer. If it looks suspicious, even if you know the source, it’s best to delete or if appropriate, mark as junk email.
View our help article: How to Identify a Spam or Phishing Email
- Protect all devices that connect to the Internet: Along with computers, smartphones, gaming systems, and other web-enabled devices also need protection from viruses and malware.
View our help article: Antivirus Recommendations for Both Mac and Windows Computers
- Plug & scan: USB and other external devices can be infected by viruses and malware. Use your security software to scan them.
Security Alert Communications
ITS will send a security alert message and post an alert on our IT Service Desk Portal when:
- A campus wide security threat has been detected.
- A specific group of accounts has been leaked by an external source.