Information security begins with you

It takes more than a password and antivirus software to safeguard your electronic devices and information. It takes you. Most data breaches and security incidents are the result of poor choices and weak practices.

By following information security best practices, you'll increase the likelihood that your information, your devices and your privacy remain safe.

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Find out how to protect your data and the university data you're tasked with safeguarding. Learn how to protect the devices you use to store data, including computers, phones and removable media like flash drives. Threats such as phishing emails, social engineering attacks and dumpster diving are on the rise so be sure to maintain your privacy and the privacy of the individuals whose information you're tasked with safeguarding. If there's a suspected or confirmed security incident, report it immediately. Examples include loss or theft of computers or storage devices, attacks against university systems, loss of confidential information (including paper records) and inappropriate or unauthorized access of confidential information.

Protect your data
Protect your devices
Maintain your privacy
Policies & standards
Report an incident

Looking for old information security web pages? They're available by selecting your role - student, faculty/staff or IT staff.

Are you following information security best practices? See ours to help protect yourself and your data at VCU and at home.

Do you know which information security policies and standards you're responsible to be familiar with and adhere to?

Are you following information security best practices?

Take a look at our 10 best practices to find out. It's only a single page and it'll help you protect yourself and your data at VCU and at home.


Identity theft prevention

VCU's identity theft prevention program is designed to detect, prevent, and mitigate identity theft in connection with VCU accounts. Find out how to idenitify and respond to warning signs.


Don't get lured by a phishing scam

VCU users are a constant target of phishing scams. Find out how phishers try to trick you and how to protect yourself.


Policies and standards

Users of VCU information systems and data are expected to adhere to VCU's information security policies and standards.


Did you know?

In 2008, 92% of critical Microsoft vulnerabilities would have been mitigated if user didn't have administrative rights.

What is information security?

Information security is the protection of information from unauthorized access, disruption and modification, regardless of whether the information is in written, electronic or spoken form.


Random tip

If your credit card is stolen, cancel it, file a police report & call the 3 credit bureaus...immediately.


Want to learn more?

Follow VCU Information Security on Twitter for short updates to keep you in the loop about information security risks, incidents and tips. Access via the Web, an RSS feed or your handheld device.