Information Security

Information security starts with you. It's important to stay current on digital privacy and security. The articles and FAQ's here are designed to help you do just that. Below are five things you can (and should) be doing already:

1. Beware of fraud. Be skeptical of email, text messages, Internet search results, and websites. Verify sources using a different method (phone, Internet search). If something seems "phishy," it probably is.

2. Use unique complex passwords for every account. Enroll in multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible.

3. Keep your software - the operating system, web browser(s), apps, and programs - up to date. Configure automatic software updates wherever possible. Old software is vulnerable and makes your data vulnerable.

4. Trust the network you are connecting to. Use your phone as a hotspot. If you must use a public WiFi network, connect to a VPN to keep your data private.

5. Always lock your devices - password, fingerprint, or keycode.

Categories (2)

How-to Articles

Articles designed to assist users in self service

FAQ Articles

Frequently Asked Questions

Articles (14)

Pinned Article Colby College Policies

Find the location of Colby College Policies

Avoiding Online Scams

Avoid scams by limiting your social media footprint, being skeptical of online offers and validating the source.

Colby Data Security Tips

Tips and practices for the secure use of technology and data at Colby

Internet Browser Privacy

How much does a website know about you? It's important to understand how to keep your information private when using Internet web browsers.

Internet Browser Security

Your Internet web browser may be the most important - and vulnerable - piece of software on your computer or device. Keeping it up to date and secure is important.

Keeper Password Manager

Keeper is an online password manager and secret sharing platform available for Colby faculty and staff who manage high risk data.

Kleopatra Encryption Software

Kleopatra is program built on the open source program GNU Privacy Guard (GPG) for Windows computers that allows a user to manage cryptographic keys; and to encrypt and decrypt files.

Network Security

How secure is your network connection? There are things you can do to keep your data secure as it is transmitted across wireless and wired computer networks.

Password Management

You probably have more online accounts than you can keep track of. If you keep track of your passwords by writing them down, using a spreadsheet or local file, or "have a system" for using passwords, you should read this.

Proofpoint Email Protection

Colby employs a Proofpoint email security gateway to scan and filter malicious or unsolicited emails. This article explains how this works, how to review what it is doing with your email, and options you have for how your messages are (or aren't) filtered.

Social Media - Keep it Private

Do you use Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn? If you do, how familiar are you with the privacy settings on these platforms - and the risks if those protections are not employed?

The Trouble With QR Codes

To scan or not to scan? The risks associated with QR codes and tips to safely scan them.

Traveling Internationally

Going somewhere? Some countries have data protections in place, others intentionally do not. Stay up to date on how to keep your devices and information private when you travel outside of your home country. For some destinations, it's best to leave them at home.

Workstation and Computer Security

Your computer or workstation probably has a lot of your information stored on it. You also probably use it to access all sorts of information and data. What can you do to make sure it stays secure?