Don’t Get Burned: InfoSec Tips for Your Summer Tech Travels

As summer approaches, many of us are getting ready to enjoy some well-earned rest—whether that means traveling, working remotely, or just taking a break. But while you may be stepping away from your daily routine, cyber threats don’t take vacations.

Here are a few simple tips to help students, faculty, and staff keep their personal and university information safe over the summer months.

Secure Your Accounts Before You Log Off

Before you head out, take a moment to lock down your digital life:

• Use strong, unique passwords for every account. Even if your NetID password has not yet expired, it is good practice to change your password regularly. A password manager makes it easier to keep track of your passwords.
  • NetID Password Reset
  • Password Manager
    • Suggested: 1Password
• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on your university and personal accounts. This adds an extra layer of protection even if your password is compromised.
  • Helps secure accounts beyond just a password
    • MFA/2FA options are available everywhere, not just MSU
    • MSU MFA Information

Be Smart with Public Wi-Fi

Using Wi-Fi at airports, hotels, or cafés? It’s convenient, but it can be risky.

• • Avoid logging into sensitive accounts (like your university portal, banking, or email) on public networks

  • Consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) when on unsecured Wi-Fi

  • Disable “auto-connect” to Wi-Fi networks on your devices to prevent accidental connections
  • Use your mobile device hotspot for a more secure internet connection
    • How to set up a Personal Hotspot on your iPhone or iPad
    • Share a mobile connection by hotspot or tethering on Android

Stay Alert for Phishing Attempts

Scammers don’t take the summer off!

• Be cautious of emails, texts, or social media messages that urge you to click links, download files, or enter login credentials

• Look for signs of phishing: poor spelling, urgent requests, or strange sender addresses

• If an email looks suspicious—don’t click. When in doubt, report it
  • KnowBe4 PAB button 
  • Forward the email to phishfiles@montclair.edu

Traveling? Prepare Your Devices

If you’re heading out of town—or out of the country—get your devices travel-ready:

• Backup important data in case something happens to your phone or laptop
  • Data Integrity, Handling and Sharing (Windows)
  • Data Integrity, Handling and Sharing (Mac)
  • Backup iPhone
  • Backup or restore data on your Android device

• Only bring the devices you need. Consider using a loaner or temporary device if you’re traveling internationally
• Make sure all devices are updated, encrypted, and locked with a PIN or password
• Activate the “Find My Device” features on your mobile devices in case they get lost or misplaced
  • Find My iPhone
  • Find My Device

Don’t Forget About University Accounts

Whether you’re taking classes, conducting research, or simply on break, your university accounts remain active.

• Monitor your university email for any account or system notifications
• Log out of services you won’t be using over the summer
• Duo Alerts: If you receive notifications via push or phone for Duo that you did not request, DO NOT accept them
  • Attackers can use phishing scams or web scraping to gain access to your account credentials
    • They will use MFA fatigue to their advantage until you allow that request
    • If you find yourself in this situation, immediately report the alert as fraud and reset your password as soon as possible
• Never share your credentials with anyone—yes, even with people you trust
  • Montclair State University will never ask you for your password

Lost or Stolen Device? Take Action Fast

If you misplace a phone, laptop, or tablet:

• Use device-tracking tools like Find My iPhone or Find My Device to locate or remotely wipe your device

• Change passwords for any accounts that were logged in

• If your university accounts were on the device, report the incident to the IT Service Desk
  • Phone: (973) 655-7971 option 1
  • Email:itservicedesk@montclair.edu

Stay Secure, Wherever Summer Takes You

Taking a few simple steps now can prevent a major headache later. Whether you’re working remotely, researching abroad, or just relaxing at home, staying cyber-aware helps protect not just you, but the entire university community.

If you suspect that your account has been compromised or if you need help securing your devices, please reach out to the IT Service Desk.

Have a safe, relaxing summer!

Want to Know More?

DUO | MFA Fatigue: What It Is and How to Respond

GeeksforGeeks | What is Web Scraping and How to Use It?

National Cybersecurity Alliance | Vacation and Travel Security Tips

Federal Trade Commission | Are Public Wi-Fi Networks Safe? What You Need To Know

UpGuard | How to Back Up Your Data: 6 Effective Strategies to Prevent Data Loss

Lifewire | How to Prevent Wi-Fi From Connecting Automatically