Cybersecurity Best Practices at K-State
Cybersecurity best practices and steps K-Staters should follow to maintain the health of our information technology systems.
Antivirus
Antivirus software is your first line of defense. Antivirus software will detect, block and remove viruses. It will also warn about dangerous websites and links. All university-owned computers have antivirus software installed and maintained by computers. All personal computers connecting to the K-State Network must have antivirus software installed.
Duo
To keep your personal information safe, K-State uses Duo two-factor authentication to provide a second layer of security for your account by using a secondary device to verify your identity. Duo prevents anyone but you from accessing your account, even if they know your password. All K-State students, faculty and staff are required to use Duo.
eID and eID Passwords
K-State’s Security for Information, Computing and Network Resources policy prohibits sharing eID passwords. Never share your eID password. You can request a shared account if a department, unit, or organization needs to share an email account. A shared account allows several K-Staters to share a K-State email account, including calendar and contacts.
Phishing Scams
Phishing scams are used by cybercriminals to try to trick you into sharing personal information, such as passwords, credit cards, social security, and bank account numbers, by sending you fraudulent emails or directing you to a fake website. K-State and legitimate businesses will NEVER ask for your account, personal or financial information by email. Think before you click. More than 90% of successful cyber-attacks start with a phishing email. If you receive a suspected phishing email, send the email and original headers to abuse@k-state.edu.
Software Updates
Software updates provide new and improved functionality while addressing bugs and crashes. When a software update isn’t installed, security flaws are not patched, which opens up a backdoor for cybercriminals. Keeping software updated is vital to ensure your computer runs safely and securely. Turn on automatic software updates for your devices to always have the newest security features. Learn more: Windows or Mac.
USB Flash Drives
Cybercriminals are using USB flash drives to gain access to your computer. Do not use free USB flash drives because they may be infected. An infected drive could lock your computer, corrupt your data, add malware to K-State’s network or steal your personal information. Do not borrow a drive from a friend; unbeknownst to your friend, the drive may be infected.
Virtual Private Networking (VPN)
A VPN encrypts your data so it cannot be intercepted by others using the same unprotected wireless network, such as at a hotel, airport or coffee shop. K-State's Virtual Private Networking (VPN) is GlobalProtect. GlobalProtect should be used when accessing protected proprietary and confidential data and campus resources when working offsite.
Wireless Connection
K-State provides wireless network services (Wi-Fi) for university students, faculty, staff and guests and has three primary wireless networks.
- KSU Wireless — A secure network for current K-State students, faculty and staff not living in residence halls or the Jardine Apartments.
- KSU Housing — A secure network for current K-State residence halls and Jardine Apartments residents.
- KSU Guest — Campus visitors can use this network, which has NO security and does not require an eID/password.