Staying Secure in a Digital World – National Internet Safety Month
This article introduces a nationwide internet safety awareness campaign and emphasizes the importance of protecting personal and institutional data online. It highlights common digital threats like phishing and malicious downloads while encouraging students, faculty, and staff to adopt simple cybersecurity practices to stay safe in everyday online activity.
Top 5 Online Safety Tips
- Think Before You Click
Don’t trust links from unknown sources—especially if they ask for login credentials, personal data, or payment info. Hover to preview the link before clicking. - Update Your Passwords (and Make Them Strong!)
Use passphrases or a password manager. Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts. - Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on Personal Accounts too!
It’s like having a second lock on your digital front door. Turn on 2FA for email, social media, and campus accounts. - Check the Link When Shopping
Only shop on secure sites (look for https:// and a lock icon). Avoid deals that seem too good to be true—they probably are! Use a credit card, not a debit card, for extra protection. - Watch Out for Scams
From fake job offers to urgent messages claiming your account will be closed—scammers are getting creative. If it feels off, it probably is.
Social Media Safety
- Think Before You Post
Avoid sharing personal details like your address, phone number, class schedule, or vacation plans — even in private messages.
- Lock Down Privacy Settings
Adjust your settings so only friends or approved followers can see your posts, stories, and profile info.
- Avoid Oversharing
Blur or crop out things like IDs, locations, or documents that could give away too much.
- Be Kind
Digital footprints last forever. If you wouldn’t say it in real life, don’t post it online.
Campus Security Resources
- Report Suspicious Emails with the Knowbe4 PAB
- Found something phishy? Use the PAB hook to report it in 2 clicks!
- Stay Up to Date with the Phish Files
- Your one stop shop for everything phish and cybersecurity
- Follow Us on Instagram @montclair_it #thephishfiles
- Need IT Help? Email itservicedesk@montclair.edu or you local academic technology team
- Think You’ve Fallen for a Scam? Email phishfiles@montclair.edu
- Our team can help with the next steps
Games to Test Your Cybersecurity Skills
- SoSafe Invasion Inbox Alert – Can you spot the fake emails before time runs out?
- Phishing Gizmo – Can you build a successful phishing campaign?
- TryHackMe – Want to deep dive into learning ethical hacking, penetration testing, and cybersecurity skills?
- SpaceShelter – Explore and understand the elements of a secure online account, from using a password manager to grasping multi-character authentication.
Want to Learn More?
National Cybersecurity Alliance | Online Safety Basics
Quantum Fiber | Essential internet safety and security tips for college students
Morgan Stanley | Cybersecurity 101: Staying Safe at College
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