Cybersecurity Tip of the Week – What is Cybersecurity and Why is it Important to You

Cybersecurity is simply protecting your digital life, devices, accounts, and data from being stolen, exposed, or damaged. Think of it as a shield for your information, whether that's your research, classwork, or personal files. In higher education, cyber threats come from "malicious actors" who may want to steal data, spread malware, or disrupt campus operations. They do this through phishing, weak passwords, or outdated software. Because students, faculty, and staff rely on technology daily-email, Wi-Fi, cloud storage, and online learning-everyone plays a role in keeping the university secure.

In our connected world, almost everything we do involves technology. We bank online, shop online, work online, and socialize online. Every time you're connected, you're potentially exposed. If your digital defenses are weak, you become an easy target.

Cybersecurity isn't just for big corporations with fancy IT departments. It's for every single one of us. It's about taking active steps to keep your digital life safe and sound. We're talking about things like using strong passwords, being careful what you click, updating your software, and recognizing scams.

Think of cybersecurity as your digital armor. The stronger it is, the less likely you are to become a victim.