One Step Ahead: Almanac Security Tips - 2013

Table of Contents (view all)

Spring Cleaning Your Office? Know What to Do with E-Waste
Keep Your Identity Safe When Filing Taxes This Year
Why use Penn+Box when Storing Data in the Cloud
Mobile Device Security - 3 Recommendations for Cloud Users (Hint: That's You!)
Be Aware of QR Code Risks
It’s Data Privacy Month: Update Your Facebook Privacy Settings and More
How Are You Celebrating Data Privacy Month?
Stay Secure while Working on Public Wi-Fi Networks
Protecting Your Finances During This Year's Holiday Shopping Season
Cloud and You
Security and Privacy Online Training & Tools
October: Free Secure Disposal of Paper and Electronics at Employee Resource Fair; NCSAM
Student Privacy - What Do I Need To Know? A FERPA Reminder
Top 10 Tips for Securing Your Smartphone or Tablet
Working Off Campus? Some Tips to Consider

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Tuesday, December 22, 2009 - Almanac Vol. 56, No. 16

Secure Remote Solutions

Working with confidential University data—which includes most personally identifiable data and operational data—must be done responsibly. And working from home or other non-Penn locations needs even more attention because you have left the Penn-managed computing environment.

To protect the privacy and security of confidential University data, and to ensure that this data will remain available to you, bear in mind that the data you are working with is only as secure as the machine you are working on.

• If you are using your own home machine, make sure that you have updated antivirus software and security patches and utilize a firewall. An easy way to do so—and strongly recommended—is to use Penn's security suite on the Penn Connect CD. See www.upenn.edu/computing/pennconnect/about.html.
• If possible, use a Penn-managed laptop protected by a strong password and other security controls. The security suite will be built in.
• Regardless of the machine you are working on—make sure it is used responsibly. You and others using the machine may unwittingly compromise security by clicking on the harmful popups or opening the harmful attachments.
• Do not use public machines in libraries or Internet cafes—or other machines whose security level is unknown—to access confidential University data.
• Do not keep Penn data on your laptop or your home desktop. Instead, use secure remote access to log onto Penn's secure servers to access data.
• If you must keep data on a laptop or home machine, keep it encrypted.
• Don't think you can “get around” the problem by keeping data on your USB or flash drive. These drives are very easy to lose and can be easily stolen. If you are using portable storage media, again make sure the data is encrypted.

Talk to your Local Support Provider about the best work-at-home solution for you. Pin down the security issues in advance—and protect yourself from a major headache that will really make you want a vacation.