Tech Tip of the Week 

Win an Apple Watch from the Duke Security Office, and you have a chance to win prizes! Visit the OIT Security Office, and watch the phishing video. It’s 10 minutes well spent, and best of all, you can register to win an Apple Watch at the end.

Don’t Forget - October is National Cyber Security Month

National Cyber Security Month is a good time to review how to keep your data and Duke’s data safe while surfing the web. 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.

Here’s what you need to know.

• DUSON requires Multifactor Authentication (MFA) for all available Duke web resources. If you have the chance to use it on other websites (your bank, favorite retailers, etc.), be sure to enable it.
• 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. We’ve already installed it on your Duke-owned computers.
• Install LastPass. Here’s a link to our article with everything you need to know about LastPass.

LastPass, anti-virus and MFA are the three most important ways to protect your computer and your data while online as a Duke student, faculty member or DUSON 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.
• 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 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. Home networks, networks at hotels and coffee shops are often not secure, and using the VPN will protect your internet sessions.

Finally, encrypt your personal computer following these guidelines from the Duke Security Office.

Tired of Google watching you? Try using StartPage for your searches. It uses the same Google search engine but makes you appear anonymous. Try it the next time you need to Google something.

Use a personal or private VPN. Here’s a link to our article that describes VPNs (look for the Extra Credit heading).

Here are some browser plug-ins that you can use to enhance your online privacy:

• Ghostery – detects cookies on websites that you visit and blocks their tracking. It speeds up load-time and eliminates clutter while protecting your data.
• AdBlock Plus – allows you to block intrusive ads and specific types of tracking. NOTE: some websites will notice that it is on and will ask you to disable AdBlock for their site. This is safe for websites you know and trust.
• HTTPS Everywhere – ensures that every website you visit uses HTTPS instead of the less secure HTTP. This makes your browsing session secure and private.
• Disconnect – a cool utility that lets you see who is tracking you and allows you to block them. This one will surprise you.

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 IT 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.

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 SONIT-Support@Duke.edu.