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Telecommute Securely

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  • Audience: Faculty, Staff, Student
  • Service Category: Desktop Support
  • Service:
    IT Field Services (ITFS) Desktop Support

Working remotely? Follow these tips to securely manage your telecommute.

  1. Don’t use unsafe networks.
    Avoid public wireless networks when possible, and use UCSF VPN when you can’t.
  2. Use your UCSF computer.
    Your UCSF computer is encrypted and has the required security software installed.
  3. Don’t share your UCSF computer with family and friends.
    While it may seem harmless to let a friend or family member use your computer, even the simple act of checking an email may put your computer at risk for security threats.
  4. If you don’t have a UCSF computer:
    • Install the UCSF IT Security Suite on your personal computer. This will encrypt and secure your computer.
    • Make sure your system is configured to automatically install updates.
    • Use only what you need. Don’t keep copies of all your UCSF data on your computer if you only need a few files.
    • Be vigilant against phishing. You’re probably accessing other email systems on your personal computer – don’t let a phishing message to a Gmail account result in a security incident for UCSF.
  5. Watch out for scams! COVID-10 related malware and phishing scams are running rampant. See:
    • The Internet is drowning in COVID-19-related malware and phishing scams - Ars Technica
    • ​Defending Against COVID-19 Cyber Scams - Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), US Dept. of Homeland Security
    • Troll Terrifies Public Zoom Meeting By Sharing Highly Disturbing Video - Forbes - Includes tips from NIST on how to make virtual meetings more secure
  6. Don’t use free tools (e.g., Dropbox, Google Drive, Google Docs). Use officially supported UCSF services like Box.
  7. Never leave your laptop in your car.
    Keep in mind that there's a car break-in every 22 seconds in San Francisco.
  8. Use Keeper Password Vault to securely manage your passwords.
    This advice applies whether you’re telecommuting or not.
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IT Field Services (ITFS) Desktop Support
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