As we transition into the fall season, it's a great time to reflect on our cybersecurity habits—not just at Yale, but also at home. While many of us diligently follow cyber-safe practices at work, the same level of vigilance isn't always maintained when we’re off-campus. This can be a risky oversight, especially given the rise in cybercrime that preys on individuals in their personal lives.
Cybercrime and Current Events: A perfect storm
Cybercriminals are always on the lookout for opportunities to exploit. They often craft scams around current events, from natural disasters to economic uncertainty, knowing that people are more likely to let their guard down during times of stress or distraction.
For example, recent scams have capitalized on global concerns, such as extreme weather events, by sending fake donation requests or offering fraudulent disaster relief services. The shift to remote work has also blurred the lines between professional and personal cybersecurity practices, making it more critical than ever to be vigilant at home.
Why Security Can Be Lacking at Home
One of the reasons why cybersecurity can be more vulnerable at home is the casual environment. Unlike the structured security protocols at Yale, home networks often lack the same level of defense.
Here are three common examples of lax cybersecurity practices:
- Weak Wi-Fi Passwords: Many people use simple or default passwords for their home Wi-Fi networks, making it easier for unauthorized users to gain access.
- Shared Devices: In many households, devices are shared among family members, increasing the risk of accidental downloads of malicious software or exposure to phishing attacks.
- Outdated IoT Devices: Smart devices like thermostats, cameras, and even doorbells can be gateways for cybercriminals if they aren't regularly updated with the latest security patches.
Strengthening Your Cyber Fitness at Home
Here are three tips to help you bolster your cybersecurity at home:
- Regularly Update Your Devices: Make it a habit to check for updates on all your smart devices and apply them as soon as they’re available. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of a security issue.
- Strengthen Your Home Network: Use a strong, unique password for your Wi-Fi and consider enabling WPA3 encryption if your router supports it. This adds an extra layer of security to your home network. Not sure how? Visit our Security Guidelines for Working Remotely page.
- Educate Your Household: Ensure that everyone who shares your devices understands the basics of cybersecurity, such as recognizing phishing attempts and the importance of not downloading unknown files or apps.
Other Resources
Bee Cyber Fit Podcast
For a deeper dive into how cybercriminals manipulate current events for personal gain, tune into the August episode of the Bee Cyber Fit podcast. Recognizing and Avoiding Cyber Scams During Major Events & Crises delves into the growing trend of cybercriminals using current events to deceive unsuspecting victims.
Bee Cyber Fit at Yale: The Essential to Working Securely
In October, the Information Security Office will debut the first-ever cybersecurity awareness training curriculum. Designed for faculty, staff and students, this self-paced online training course teaches cybersecurity basics to you safeguard Yale’s data and systems. The principes taught in the course are applicable to staying safe online at home too! Want to learn more? Sign up for our training alerts so you’ll be the first to know when it launches.
Stay cyber-safe this fall—both at Yale and at home!