SAN ANTONIO – According to UTSA's Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security these three P's can protect you.
Practices:
Don't trust email attachments these may contain malicious software that can harm your computer. Make sure you look for signs a website is safe. There is software available to notify you when a website isn't safe.
Patches:
New vulnerabilities are often found in software. Software vendors try to stay ahead of attackers by offering updates. It's a good idea to apply those updates instead of ignoring them.
Passwords:
They are the first line of defense to protect you online. A good password doesn't have to be hard to remember there is a way you can create an easy to remember password that can keep you safe.
First choose a phrase of three or more words that is easy to remember but would be hard for someone to guess. For example, "I'll never turn off my firewall!" This password is 32 characters long and would take a long time for an attacker to guess.
For added complexity add uppercase, numbers, and symbols.
Assistant Director of UTSA Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security Ray Sims said he is looking for a character and slogan to help every citizen realize they have a responsibility when it comes to cyber security.
Two prizes will be awarded for this contest. One winner will be chosen for both the best slogan and the best idea for a character.
Winners can select their prize from the following list:
Xbox One
Kindle Fire DHX 8.9
Microsoft Surface 2--64GB
Playstation 4
Nintendo Wii U
Nvidia Shield Tablet
NVIDIA SHIELD Portable
iPad Air
Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 10.1
iPad Mini
Asus Transformer T200 2-in-1
Dell Inspiron 15 3000 series laptop
The contest is open to all citizens but focuses on students in K-12.
Entries should include:
Name
Grade & School, College/ University, or Organization/Company
Contact info for you or if you are under 18 for your guardian
Statement from your parent or legal guardian giving permission for you to enter the contest (if under 18)
Your idea and or drawing for either (or both) the slogan and or character
Your choice of prize from the list above, should you win
A statement attesting to the fact any slogan, image, artwork is your own and that you give CIAS permission to use it in a national campaign on cyber security.
Entries must be received by midnight April 13, 2015
Mail or email them to cias@utsa.edu or mail it to UTSA/CIAS Attn: Culture of Security Contest, One UTSA Circle San Antonio 78249
Winners will be announced at the National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition Banquet on April 26.