Security is everyone's responsibility!
1. Should I open all email attachments?
You should be aware that email from unknown sources containing attachments
could contain viruses. Once the attachment is opened, it could shut down an
entire network. Even email from friends and family members may unintentionally
carry a virus. Never open an email attachment from an unknown source, unless
it is a PDF file. PDF files do not have the capacity to generate a virus,
so PDF attachments generally are considered safe. If you receive any other
kind of email attachment, always use virus scanning software before opening
it.
2. How can I tell if I'm on a secure website?
If you are on a secure website, also known as SSL, the URL path will start
with https:// (the "s" after “http” indicates a secure site). When
using a credit card for online purchases, it is best to type the URL directly
into the browser’s address line to ensure that you navigate to the site you
want, rather than a “spoofed” site. Spoof websites are made to look like legitimate
websites (such as Amazon.com® or PayPal®), but they direct you instead to
an unauthorized website that may attempt to obtain your personal information.
In order to recognize a secure website, look for the yellow "lock"
icon on the status bar. If you double click on the lock, the website’s digital
certificate form will pop up. If the certificate is issued to the site you
believe you are on, that is your assurance that the site is secure. Click
here to see what the lock icon looks like.
Amazon.com is a registered trademark of Amazon.com, Inc. in the United States
and/or other countries.
PayPal is a registered trademark of PayPal, Inc. in the United States and/or
other countries.
3. What is a firewall?
Firewalls are used to prevent unauthorized users from accessing a network
or computer. All traffic entering or leaving passes through the firewall,
which examines each message and blocks those that do not meet the specified
criteria. Firewall protection is especially useful for users with "always
on" connections, such as those provided by a DSL or cable modem.
4. What if someone asks me for my password?
You should NEVER share your password with anyone, or send it via email. Your
password is your key to keeping unauthorized users from accessing your personal
information and/or the Idemo University™ website designed for student
use only.
5. I have been told I need a strong password. What is that?
A strong password is a password that cannot be guessed and is difficult to
crack. Strong passwords have the following characteristics: contain upper
and lower case characters, contain punctuation characters, are at least 8
characters long, and do not contain words in any language. One way to create
a strong password is to use a password that contains a phrase or character
substitution, such as h3izMiL0v (he is my love). Always use the strongest
password possible for your student website or when logging in.