Friday, October 25, 2019

Week 5 - Internet of Things (IoT) at Home


How many devices to you have connected to your Internet connection at your house?  Can you name them all?  While these devices bring a great deal of convenience, they also bring associated risk.  Here is a list of things you can do to better secure your IoT devices.

·         Know what’s connected to your network.
·         Make sure your home wireless is encrypted using a strong password.
·         Make sure anti-virus/anti-malware software is installed on all of your computers, tablets, and smartphones. 
·         Change the default credentials and don’t use common words or passwords that are unique. 
·         Keep your smartphone secure.  Does your phone lock when not in use?  If not, consider adding a PIN, pattern, password, or face unlock.
·         Regularly update your software.
·         Use caution when using social sharing/geolocation.
·         Disable any features you don’t need.  If you don’t have any Bluetooth devices then turn off Bluetooth on your devices.


Week 5 – Prize Registration

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Week 4 – Google Phishing Quiz


Nearly one-third of all data breaches in 2018 involved a phishing email.  Columbia College has an anti-spam solution which blocks tons of spam/malware/phishing emails, but even with the best solution some phishing emails may still get through.  Google’s technology incubator, Jigsaw, has released a phishing quiz which you can take to see if you can spot the phish.


Google Phishing Email Quiz (will open up in a new window)


After you have taken the phishing quiz, be sure to enter your email address to get registered to win a prize.

Week 4 - prize registration (will open up in a new window)



Monday, October 14, 2019

Week 3 - What's Wrong with My Desk?


For October Security Awareness Month, the week 3 security awareness activity is  "What's Wrong With My Desk?"  Keeping a clean desk and clear screen at work is important to protecting confidential information. Please click on the link below to see pictures of a desk and note all of the security risks.  If you find that the pictures are too small, please use the zoom feature in your PDF viewer.  Once you have a list, you can submit your answers using the second link below.




Monday, October 7, 2019

Week 2 - Best Practices for Storing Columbia College Files


Where do you store your files?  Do you store files on your desktop?  What would happen if your computer’s hard drive went bad?  What would happen if your computer was infected with ransomware and you couldn’t access any of your files?  What would happen if your Columbia College laptop was lost/stolen and you had files on it needed for your job?

Do you know about the Columbia College i:\ drive?

The i:\ drive is a personal network drive which only you have access to. The i:\ drive is also backed up, so in the event your computer hard drive dies, CC laptop is stolen, computer is infected with ransomware, etc. files can be restored.

Example uses of Network Storage (my I:\) drive:

  • Store documents/files
  • Access files at different computers (ie. Another office, classroom, computer lab, etc)

Examples of how not to use Network Storage (my I:\) drive:

  •  Do not store program installers that you have downloaded.
  • Do not store personal media of large file types such as pictures, audio, or movie files.

  • NOTE: the i:\ drive is only accessible on the Columbia College network.  If you are working at home using a Columbia College laptop and need to access your i:\ drive files, you will need to be connected to the Columbia College VPN in order to access your i:\ drive files.

If you do not see your network home drive mapped under My Computer, try these steps.

  1. Check the magnifying button.
  2. In the search box, type \\ccis.edu\homecampus\Home\youruserid
  3. Hit enter
  4. If this does not open your home directory, please contact the Technology Solutions Center at CCHelpDesk@ccis.edu or at 573-875-7495.

For more information, please see the Acceptable Computing Use Policy.


If you currently use the i:\ drive or if you are going to start using the i:\ drive to store files after reading this security awareness tech tip, then please enter your name and email address on the Google form linked below to be registered for your chance to win a prize.


Tuesday, October 1, 2019


October is Cyber Security Awareness Month!  
Join Technology Services and the National Cyber Security Alliance in celebrating the 16th year of National Cyber Security Awareness Month!

Cybersecurity begins with a simple message that everyone using the internet can adopt:
STOP. THINK. CONNECT.

Take security and safety precautions, understand the consequences of actions online, and enjoy the benefits of the internet!  Throughout October, Technology Services will offer interactive educational activities to help you achieve those goals—for each activity you complete, you will be entered into a drawing at the end of the month!

For Week 1 we have a list of questions for you to attempt. Please follow the link below and make sure to enter your email address at the bottom to be registered for your chance to win!