Tech Tips: Online Security

October 8, 2019

Your online security is one of our top priorities. As a member of the DUSON community, you have access to some of the most sophisticated tools for online protection available. Some of these are automatically provided to you - some you never even see. Others are tools that you can install on your own to make sure your data remains safe and your online activity is secure.

Here’s how to get the most of this service:

First things first

Install an anti-virus solution on your computer. Click here to go to the Duke OIT Anti-virus Software page for details on how you can protect your machine.

This and Multifactor Authentication (MFA), which is required for accessing Duke resources, are the two most important ways to protect your computer and your data while online as a Duke student, faculty member or staff.

Other Duke tools

Targeted Attack Protection (TAP) – Duke University and Medical Center uses ProofPoint to help identify and block malicious hyperlinks and attachments commonly found in phishing email. TAP works behind the scenes and is automatically a part of your Duke email. You can learn more about it by clicking here.
Password Management – Duke provides a free password management tool called LastPass that will help you manage all of your passwords from one convenient place. Learn more about it by clicking here.
Browser Security Management – Although not a tool obtained through Duke, the Duke Security Office recommends that all Duke users install a browser plugin called Qualys Browsercheck, which scans your preferred browser and identifies all security issues in an easy-to-use list. You can find out more by clicking here.

Online privacy

Your online privacy is important to you and to Duke. As a member of our DUSON community, you are connected to a highly protected and controlled network. When on campus, be sure to connect to the clubs wireless network, which requires signon using your NetID. When you are away from Duke, use the Duke VPN – networks at hotels and coffee shops are not secure and using the VPN will protect your internet sessions. Finally, encrypt your personal computer following these guidelines from the Duke Security Office.

Would you like some additional ideas to protect yourself online? Click here to see what else Duke recommends.

Duke Health Mobile Device Management

Enroll in the Duke Health Mobile Device Manager program. Please click the link and take a few minutes to read about it. Our Service Desk has instructions and will be available to assist you if you choose to use your portable device on the Duke Health network. This will not be required for your laptops at this time, however, the program will be extended to laptops in the future.

It’s all part of creating a more secure computing environment for you here at Duke.

Here’s our Tech Tip of the Week

Win an Apple Watch from the Duke Security Office! Visit the OIT Security Office and take the phishing quiz. It’s quick and easy! Plus, you can register to win an Apple Watch at the end of the quiz.

Have any questions about this or other tech used at DUSON?

As always, if you have any technical questions or problems, please contact your IT Service Desk at 919-684-9200, or email to citdl@mc.duke.edu.