Public Safety would like to remind the Barry community that October is Cyber Security Awareness Month
Use Common Sense. Spam scammers will try to suck you in with promises of quick cash for little effort, big bucks working at home, and so on. As a student, you might find these offers inviting, but don't take the bait. An offer that's too good to be true almost certainly isn't true. Also, make sure to watch out for phishing messages that try to steal login credentials for your bank or your school. Don't click any links from email messages. If you think your bank really did send you a message, navigate directly to the site and log in.
Install PC Protection. Make sure your PC has a security suite installed, or at least antivirus software. Security software can ensure that your computer isn’t damaged because you accidentally visited a malicious website or responded to a phishing email.
Install Smartphone Protection. Malware on smartphones isn't as big a problem as on laptop and desktop PCs, but you should still install protection on your phone. The best mobile security software does a lot more than keep malware out.
Don't Be Over-Social. Social media sites are great for sharing important events with your friends, but you need to be sure you're not over-sharing. Dig into each site's privacy settings and configure it so only your friends can see posts, photos, and the places you check-in. Think twice before posting "hilarious" photos that might prove embarrassing when you're done with school and applying for a job. Consider, too, that posting your plans for the evening, for the public at large to read, might reveal your location to someone who might not have your best interests at heart.
Our Annual Report and crime statistics are on the Barry Public Safety web page, along with other important crime prevention tips. Visit: http://www.barry.edu/public-safety/stats/.
Barry University reminds its students, faculty, staff and visitors that continued caution and vigilance are necessary components of your own personal safety and the safety of all in the Barry community. We encourage all to report crimes and/or suspicious behavior to Public Safety by calling 305-899-3333 or visiting www.barry.edu/publicsafety/silentwitness.htm, a confidential way of providing information via Barry's website.
Keep up-to-date on campus safety by checking out our periodic updates on Bucwis and Barry News. For more information about Barry's Public Safety Department, visit http://bucwis.barry.edu/publicSafety/.
George Wilhelm
Director of Public Safety