October 27, 2009

Cybersecurity Awareness Month tip: Secure networks

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, presented at Purdue since 2006, is part of a national public awareness campaign to encourage everyone to protect their computers and the nation's critical cyber infrastructure. ITaP's Networks and Security unit will offer tips on protecting personal information throughout October.

This week's tip: Don't use public networks to conduct private business such as banking. Conduct transactions only on secure sites.

When you're asked to provide payment information, the beginning of the Web site's URL address should change from http to shttp or https, indicating that the purchase is encrypted or secured. Often this appears when you click on "Log in." Some anti-virus security software also will indicate if a site is secure.

Take precautions on all WiFi hot spots even if they require a password -- you never know who else is using the network.

Avoid transmitting sensitive information such as logons and passwords on public networks. Log off when you're done, and turn off your wireless capability when you are in a public place.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month event

ITaP is sponsoring a presentation from 9 to 11a.m. Friday in Fowler Hall, Stewart Center.

John McCumber, strategic programs manager in the Public Sector Group of Symantec Corp., will discuss threats to computer security facing industry. Scott Ksander, Purdue chief information security officer, will discuss threats to computer security in a university setting.

A security-themed Halloween costume contest will conclude the session. To learn more, visit www.purdue.edu/securepurdue/training.