Security Awareness

Protecting your devices, safeguarding your data, and identity

No matter what technology you’re using—or where you’re using it—you are the first line of defense against cyber threats. Following a few essential security habits can help keep your personal information and Brookdale’s systems safe.

YOU: The Most Critical Security Tool

Cyber attackers often succeed not by hacking systems, but by tricking people into giving up information.
Trust your instincts:

• It probably is if something looks suspicious, unexpected, or too good to be true.

• Pause and verify before clicking links, downloading attachments, or responding to unexpected messages.

KEEP SYSTEMS UPDATED

Ensure that your:

• Computer

• Mobile device

• Apps and software

…are always running the latest version. These updates often include critical security patches.

Enable automatic updates whenever possible.

ENCRYPTION

Use devices and apps that support encryption, especially when handling sensitive data.
Encryption protects your data if your device is lost, stolen, or intercepted online.

BACKUPS

Make regular backups of any important files:

• Use cloud storage like OneDrive – Brookdale Community College for work-related documents.

• For local backups, store data on encrypted external drives.

• A good backup is often the only recovery option if your data is lost or compromised.

PASSWORDS

Strong passwords are your first defense.

Follow these rules:

• Use long, complex passwords (the more characters, the better).

• Never reuse passwords across devices or accounts.

• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever available.

• Consider a password manager to securely store your passwords.

• Never share your passwords—even with trusted colleagues or friends.

Practicing these habits consistently, you help protect your data, identity, and Brookdale’s digital environment.

Securing Mobile Devices

Securing your mobile devices and smartphones is as relevant or perhaps even more critical as securing your computer. Your smartphone contains a wealth of personal information such as pictures, passwords, email, phone numbers, and contacts. A lost or stolen or unsecured smartphone could expose personal data and lead to identity theft and fraud.

Below is a short list of some basic Smartphone safety tips to help protect your smartphone.

• Password-protect your device.
• Keep your operating system updated.
• Enable strong password protection on your device and include a timeout requiring authentication after a period of inactivity.
• Download applications from reliable resources such as the Apple Store and Google Play.
• Be cautious with public Wi-Fi, only connect to secure networks you know. Avoid unidentified Wi-Fi hotspots.
• Disable Bluetooth and Near Field Communication (NFC) capabilities when not in use.
• Review your mobile device manual to learn about the specific features of the device.
• Backup your device on a regular basis.
• Install a locator app.
• Be sure to wipe your mobile device using the built it “factory reset” function to delete your data before returning, reselling or discarding your smartphone.

Securing Desktops and Laptops

Keeping your computer safe and secure has become more difficult as computers are interconnected through the Internet and other networks.

Safety tips to help secure and protect your computer:

• Keep your firewall turned on.
• Do not buy security software in response to unexpected pop-up messages or emails.
• Use strong passwords.
• Set your operating system to update automatically.
• Use the most current version of your browser.
• Do not install plugins or add-ons into your browser unless you need them to run a particular application.
• Keep all essential browser plugins and add-ons update to date.
• Back up your files.
• Do not download unfamiliar software from the Internet. If you must, run a virus scan on the download before installing the application.
• Log off or lock your computer when leaving the device unattended.
• Do not open attachments from unknown sources.
• Do not use free public or unencrypted (unsecured) Wifi.

Unless you take steps to secure your router, you are vulnerable to people accessing the information on your computer, using your Internet service for free, and potentially using your network to commit cybercrimes. Change the default factory setting of your wireless router.

Below is a list of simple tips for keeping your wireless network secure. Review the manual of your wireless network for detailed information on changing the setting.

• Change the default name (SSID – Service Set Identifier) of your router.
• Change the default password.
• Change the security level to WAP or WAP2 if available.
• Best Practices for Keeping Your Home Network Secure

Brookdale Community College is committed to protecting the security of its organization, users, and data. To safeguard our confidential information and digital assets, we have implemented a comprehensive Security Awareness Training Program through SafeColleges.  The goal of this long-term program is not only to meet all compliance and legal requirements but also to secure employees and the organization by educating employees about the potential security threats and changing their behaviors. The required training module includes the following topics:

• Email & Messaging Safety (12 minutes)
• Browser Security Basics (15 minutes)
• Protection Against Malware (15 minutes)

Access Training from SafeColleges

• Click https://brookdalecc-nj.safecolleges.com/ to log into SafeColleges.
• Enter your NetID username
• If modules are not listed, select the Extra Training button, Information Technology category for access to the topics

If you should need assistance using SafeColleges or experience technical difficulties, please call 1-800-434-0154.

Any other questions, please contact either Linda DeButts, Manager of Professional Development – HR, ldebutts@brookdalecc.edu or Crane Kanthajan, Manager – HR Services, kkanthajan@brookdalecc.edu