You’ve probably seen emails and websites referencing “safety in all sense of the word.” What does that mean? At the U, we take a comprehensive approach to safety, knowing it takes more than one thing to feel safe. 

This week’s topic will cover digital safety.

What does that mean?

Digital safety means taking precautions to protect your digital identity and electronic devices.  A phone. Your University login. A shopping app. Shady websites. These and more can make you more susceptible to cyber threats but there are things you can do to protect yourself and stay vigilant.

What does that look like?

Digital safety looks like keeping personal information private and secure and protecting devices from malware. Through strong passwords, timely software updates, and using trusted Wi-Fi services, you can protect what’s yours from being compromised. Avoiding suspicious links or notifications stops scammers in their tracks from accessing your personal information. 

Beyond the technical aspects, digital safety also involves understanding the social and ethical implications of internet use. This includes being aware of how you use your devices, share information about yourself on social platforms, and manage online relationships. 

How can I do that?

• Safe storage practices - Regularly complete software updates, review privacy settings, and back up important files. Double up that protection with unique passwords—that get changed often—and use two-factor authorization to prevent cyber sleuths from gaining access to your data.
• Be aware of suspicious activity - Reputable organizations will never ask for your personal information or demand payment by text, phone call, or email. Their websites will look professional and will not immediately ask for personal information. Signs of that activity are known as phishing attempts. Do not automatically click links from unknown senders. Report them to the Office of Information Technology, then hit delete.
• Manage what you share online - Keep your personal information personal. Avoid posting specific details or new purchases online—you never know who’s watching. If you just have to share that great news, set your profiles to private to keep it among friends.