Stay Secure

Personally identifiable information (PII) is information that can be used to locate or identify an individual. Loss of such information may lead to identity theft or other fraudulent use.

Examples of PII include:

• Full Name
• Address
• Phone Number
• Social Security Number
• Credit Card Number
• Driver's License

  
Ways to minimize the risks of exposing your PII:

• If you are asked for your PII, find out how the information will be used and how it will be protected by reading the "Privacy Policy" provided.
• If you receive an email or pop-up message asking for your PII, don't reply or click on the link. If you believe the request for information is legitimate, call the company directly.
• If you are shopping online, never provide your personal or financial information through the web site until you have checked for indicators that the site is secure - web site addresses should start with https and a lock icon should be present.

Identity theft is a serious crime. Identity theft happens when someone uses  information about you without your permission. They could use your:

• Name and address
• Credit card or bank account numbers
• Social security number
• Medical insurance account numbers

Some warning signs that you may be a victim to identity theft are:

• Errors on your credit or bank statements
• Errors on your credit report
• Late or missing bills
• Receiving credit cards you did not apply for
• Calls or letters about purchases you did not make
• Denials of credit or being offered less favorable terms for no apparent reason

If you believe your identity has been stolen, a helpful guide is available from the Federal Trade Commission at www.identitytheft.gov.

Tips to prevent identity theft: 

• Don't give out your Social Security number, mother's maiden name, Harper College Student ID number or any account information over the phone, unless you are sure the caller is legitimate.
• Don't carry your Social Security card, passport, or birth certificate with you, except when necessary.
• Verify that the website is secure with https:// before entering personal information including username, password, credit card number, etc.
• Review your financial statements and reports.
• Shred or burn all documents that have your personal information on them before throwing away.
• Only release your Social Security number when absolutely necessary. If a business uses it for identification, ask to have an alternative number used.
• Never write down PINs and passwords. Memorize them instead. Do not use any part of your name, birth date, Social Security number, or any easy to guess words as your password or pin.
• Order and review your credit report at least once a year from the national credit reporting bureaus.
• Be careful what you share on social media. Do not share personal details such as birthday, name of school, pet’s name, your location, etc.

How is social engineering done?

• Social engineers are individuals with malicious intent. They try to trick people into providing sensitive information which will give them access to data.
• They may call on the phone pretending to be someone from the Harper College Human Resources or Information Technology division and ask that you provide sensitive information.
• Social engineers do not limit their tactics to phone calls, they also "Dumpster Dive". Be sure to always shred or dispose of sensitive documents in a secure container.

Laptops are used everyday to make our electronic lives more readily accessible. Some tips to help keep your information secure on your laptop are:

Mobile devices have become an important part of our lives. We recommend the following security tips:

• Turn on the security features of your device – all devices have them.
• Configure a passcode to gain access to and use the device.
• Use your phone’s auto-lock feature.
• Don’t share your phone with others. There is only one passcode to gain access unlike a computer where there can be multiple accounts.
• Leave your Bluetooth turned off when you are not using it. Bluetooth connections should be done in private, uncrowded areas.
• Enroll your device in Find My iPhone or an equivalent service. This will help you locate your device should it be lost or stolen.
• Install security updates.
• Do not “jailbreak” your device. “Jailbreaking” removes the manufacturer’s protection against malware.
• Obtain your apps only from trusted sources such as the Apple iTunes Store, Google Play, or the Amazon App Store for Android. This helps you avoid malware which is often distributed via illicit channels.
• Backup your data regularly. It is recommended to sync your mobile device with your computer.