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Maintain your privacy

Protecting your personally identifying information (PII) is critical to maintaining your privacy and to protecting the data the university has trusted you to safeguard.

If personal information such as your name, Social Security number and date of birth falls into the wrong hands, it can be used to perform Identity theft. And if someone gains access to your password, your privacy could be put at risk and the data you are entrusted with safeguarding could be exposed.

How can I protect my privacy?

You can minimize your risk by limiting the PII you store, limiting the PII you share and taking appropriate steps to protect your PII.

Limiting the PII you store:
  1. Don't store files and documents that don't need to be retained
  2. Shred sensitive documents you no longer need
  3. Securely delete sensitive electronic files you no longer need
Limiting the PII you share:
  1. Never share your passwords (not even with your supervisor or IT staff)
  2. Limit the information you share online
  3. Know who you are sharing information with
Protecting your PII:
  1. Use strong passwords and safeguard them
  2. Protect your computer and electronic devices
  3. Lock up sensitive paper documents
  4. Avoid phishing attacks and social engineering attacks
  5. Store backup files in a secure location
  6. Report potential data breaches quickly
For more information about how you can protect yourself and your data, see our 10 information security best practices.

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

Don't use same password on multiple systems. If compromised, multiple accounts of yours may be compromised.

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.