When you are working from home, it’s important to follow Secure UD Essentials best practices in order to keep your devices and data secure.
The following are useful tips for creating a secure remote workspace and protecting sensitive information:
Set up a safe workspace
- Set aside a room or space in your home so you can work free of disturbances.
- Don't share your work devices with family members, roommates, or others. If you don't have a dedicated work device, discuss the situation with your supervisor.
- Report any stolen work devices immediately to the police and to secadmin@udel.edu.
- Install or update your antivirus software.
Protect yourself from email hacking
Hackers often take advantage of public anxiety about current events by sending fake messages that appear to be from governmental organizations or other authorities regarding security guidance, local events, or charitable solicitations.
- Beware of phishing and other scams that will take advantage of urgency, panic, etc.
- Do not click on links or open attachments from emails that look suspicious.
- Forward suspicious emails to reportaphish@udel.edu.
- Learn more at www.udel.edu/security/phishing.
Turn off smart speakers (Amazon Echo, Google Home, Apple HomePod, etc.)
Although smart speakers are only supposed to start recording when they hear a key phrase, studies have shown that they are always listening to detect those phrases (which means they'll pick up any conversations or sounds in range). To ensure that your Zoom calls or other verbal conversations stay private, unplug your non-essential, home-use smart speaker or remove that speaker from the room.
Keep your devices up-to-date
- Be sure you are working on up-to-date versions of your operating system. Install any updates or patches now.
Tip: Ask your departmental IT professional about required updates to ensure compatibility with the applications and software you are using.
- Update your browser to the latest version. Install additional browsers such as Firefox and Google Chrome.