Cybersecurity and the 4th of July: Keep Your Digital Independence Safe
Posted in: News
As we gear up to celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks, cookouts, and red, white, and blue everything, it’s also a great time to think about another kind of independence—your digital independence.
Whether you’re staying on campus, heading home, or traveling for the long weekend, your online safety should be part of your holiday checklist. Cyber threats don’t take days off, and neither should your cybersecurity habits.
Here’s how to keep your devices and data safe while you celebrate freedom:
1. Declare Independence from Weak Passwords
If you’re still using a password like “GoRedHawks123” or your pet’s name, it’s time to break free.
What to do:
- Use strong, unique passwords for every account.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible.
- Consider using a password manager to keep track of everything securely.
2. Don’t Let Fireworks Blind You to Phishing
Hackers love holidays. It’s a prime time for phishing emails disguised as fake travel updates, event invites, or patriotic promotions.
What to do:
- Be skeptical of emails or texts with urgent messages or links.
- Hover over links before clicking to check if the URL looks legitimate.
- Report suspicious messages using the PAB or by forwarding it to phishfiles@montclair.edu.
3. Secure Your Devices Like You’d Guard the Grill
Your phone, laptop, and tablet are prime targets if left unattended—especially during travel or public events.
What to do:
- Lock your devices with a passcode or biometric login.
- Turn on “Find My Device” features in case of loss or theft.
- Never leave devices unattended in public places or unlocked in a car.
4. Be Cautious on Public Wi-Fi
Heading to a fireworks show, beach, or airport with free Wi-Fi? Don’t let convenience compromise your data.
What to do:
- Avoid logging into sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi.
- Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your connection.
- Turn off auto-connect settings to prevent devices from joining rogue networks.
5. Celebrate, But Share Responsibly
We all love posting holiday photos, but think before you share.
What to do:
- Avoid sharing your exact location in real-time.
- Don’t post photos of your student ID, travel tickets, or anything with personal info.
- Review your privacy settings on social media platforms.
Freedom with Responsibility
Just like our country’s independence came with the responsibility to protect and preserve it, our digital freedom comes with its own set of duties. Whether you’re a student, faculty, or staff member, your cybersecurity habits help keep our entire campus community safe.
So this 4th of July, celebrate your freedom—and secure it, too. Enjoy the hot dogs, the fireworks, and the time off, but don’t forget to keep your guard up in the digital world. A secure campus is something worth celebrating year-round.