Keeping your personal data secure is essential in today’s digital world. In the sections below, you’ll find practical tips and tools to help you build strong habits for protecting your information across every platform you use.
Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
Free public Wi-Fi can be convenient, but it often comes with hidden risks. If you’re connecting to an unencrypted network without using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), your personal data could be exposed to cyber threats.
Does UWM have a free VPN for campus members?
UWM offers all campus members a free download of the Palo Alto VPN. Palo Alto provides encryption to UWM-provided products and services (PAWS, Canvas, M365, etc.) and the data you generate when using them. For instructions on how to download the Palo Alto VPN to your devices, visit our KnowledgeBase.
I want to encrypt all my traffic. What kind of VPN should I purchase?
Most VPN companies provide more than sufficient levels of security for all your devices, however; if you’re looking for specific recommendations, make sure the VPN provider you choose includes:
- AES128 (or better) level encryption
- IKEv2/IPSEC protocol
- Cross-platform compatibility
Passphrase Creation
Strong passphrases are a key part of protecting your digital identity. By using longer, more complex phrases instead of single words, you significantly increase the time it would take for an attacker to crack your password using brute-force methods.
Here are some best practices to keep in mind when creating your next passphrase:
- Use a phrase instead of a single word. A longer passphrase offers much stronger protection than a simple word.
- Mix uppercase and lowercase letters. Capitalization adds complexity.
- Include symbols. Special characters like @, !, $ make your passphrase harder to guess.
- Add numbers. Including digits increases strength.
- Use the maximum number of characters allowed. Longer passphrases are more resilient against brute-force attacks.
- Create a unique passphrase for each account or service. Reusing passwords increases vulnerability.
- Consider using a password manager. These tools securely store your credentials so you don’t have to remember each one.
Antivirus
UWM IT recommends installing, updating, and regularly running antivirus software to protect your devices against virtual threats. Below are some suggested antivirus applications and resources meant for personal devices.
Antivirus Suggestions
These are the recommended antivirus services for Windows devices:
- The Best Antivirus Protection
- The Best Free Antivirus Protection
- Ensure your device is running the newest operating system possible. Windows Defender is included by default with Windows 10 and newer.
These are the recommended antivirus services for Mac devices:
Most current-generation mobile devices come with antivirus software pre-installed, however; UWM IT recommends researching all applications you plan to download on your devices before accepting any user agreements.
Disclaimer: These recommendations are for personal devices. University-owned hardware should have antivirus software specific to UWM’s data protection needs already installed.
To report security-related issues, get help installing antivirus software, or receive help with other issues, contact the UWM Help Desk.