Another day, another data breach. That might be a slight exaggeration, but it’s not far off. Threats to personal and organizational information are constant, and while there is nothing you can do to be 100% safe from attacks, you can take some simple steps to be more secure.

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM), and we want to help you understand the threats to your computers, mobile devices, and data.

The following resources and tips can help you go a long way toward keeping your information safe:

• Simmons College Guide to Information Security
• Download and Install Antivirus Software
• General Tips and Advice from Stop. Think. Connect.
• Guide to Spam and Phishing
• Free Security Check-ups and Tools
• Last, but not least, don’t ignore those notifications to update your apps and operating system. Many updates include vital security enhancements.

We also want to thank the entire community for your help in making SharkPass two-step verification a success. Everyone at the College is now using SharkPass (more than 10,000 accounts!) and benefiting from this extra layer of security.

If you have any questions about staying safe online, keeping your devices and data secure, or working with sensitive information at Simmons, the Service Desk (617-521-2222) is always available to help.

In October, Simmons Technology—at the request of the Academic Technology Committee—will introduce a new web-based resource for teaching and learning at the College.

This academic technology support site will feature a wealth of tools for faculty, allowing you to share timely AT-specific event info and training opportunities, contribute to the campus discussion on academic technology, and much more, including:

• Guides to incorporating technology in your classes
• List of tools available at Simmons and how to use them
• In-person and online support information at Simmons and from our vendors
• Links to faculty-specific offerings and discounts
• Shareable calendar of educational and academic technology events
• Collaborative space to share tips and best practices with your colleagues

We’re working now to put the finishing touches on the site. We’ll be in contact with faculty soon to tell you more about what’s available and to get your feedback on what other topics you would like to see on the site.

If you have any questions in the interim, please contact Drew Mirque.

Earlier this month, credit reporting agency Equifax revealed that they experienced a security breach that exposed the personal information of 143 million people. From May through July of this year, cyber criminals accessed names, Social Security numbers, addresses, and other sensitive information.

If you have any kind of credit history, there’s a good chance that some information about you was included in this breach. Unlike a leak of credit or debit card information, there is no simple solution, like getting a new card. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to minimize the impact.

• Review the Federal Trade Commission’s guide to the breach. This page provides comprehensive information and gives step-by-step instructions for what you should do to protect your information.
• Check your credit reports. Federal law provides you with free annual access to your credit reports from the three credit reporting agencies. Visit annualcreditreport.comto access and download them. If you see activity on your reports that you don’t recognize (a line of credit opened in your name, for example), visit identitytheft.gov for guidance on what to do next.
• Consider putting a credit freeze or fraud alert on your file.
• Keep a close watch on your bank and credit card accounts for unusual activity.
• In addition, many banks offer free credit monitoring to their credit card customers. Contact your bank to find out if this is available and how it might benefit you.