Protect Your Workplace

Work Area

You are responsible for protecting confidential information (you control) and activity on your accounts. Keep these tips in mind, to protect your work area

Confidential Information

• Strong passwords. Protect your workstation with strong passwords. See Protect your Identity, Top 5
• Encrypt data. Ensure your hard drive is encrypted.
• Screen protector. Consider a screen protector for your monitor, or arrange your work area so people entering/passing by cannot see.
• Lock secure information. Secure papers or storage media (i.e. thumb drive, etc.) in a locked file cabinet.

Devices & Computer Screen

• Lock computer screen. Every time you step away from your work station, lock your screen.
  • Mac users: press Control + Command + Q keys
  • Windows users: press the Windows + L keys
• Lock office door. When you are away for long periods of time, lock your office door.
• Secure portable devices. When not in use, keep portable devices out of sight or in a locked cabinet.

Secured Area

Secured areas, require special permission to access.

• Make sure the door closes. When entering through secured doors, make sure it closes and locks behind you.
• Unsure of access. Unsure if someone should have access to a secured area? Do not hold the door or let them follow you through.
• Visitor safety. Address any unknown visitor or offer them assistance.

Social Engineering

Social engineering is the act of manipulating people into giving away sensitive information or gaining control of their computer systems.

The attacker may seem unassuming and respectable - they may claim to be a new employee or repair person. Another common technique is expressing urgency to pressure you into thinking quickly.

To protect yourself and MCC, do not provide information to anyone unless you know they are authorized to have it.