Cybersecurity – How Secure Are You?

Most students, faculty and staff at Duke know the importance of cybersecurity – but what exactly is it?

Cybersecurity focuses on protecting data and devices from unwanted attacks. It keeps personal information and electronics safe from cybercriminals, hackers, and otherwise bad actors.

Data breaches occur when a bad actor gains access to social security numbers, passwords, phone numbers, credit card information and other data. Be particularly wary of attachments on email messages.

Duke data includes anything related to research and private information accessed through university accounts and websites. It's important to practice good cybersecurity habits to keep this material safe.

As more people rely on digital platforms and regularly share sensitive information online, it's increasingly important to safeguard data in email accounts and mobile devices and prevent data breaches.  

Duke’s Information Technology Security Office, provides information and resources to help all members of the community stay safe online.

“Cybersecurity is not just personal protection; it’s safeguarding the groundbreaking research, intellectual property, and collaborative projects that define Duke,” said Nick Tripp, Duke’s chief information security officer. “Students handling sensitive data—from cutting-edge lab results to protected student records—face unique risks: compromised accounts can expose years of work, disrupt partnerships, or jeopardize compliance with strict regulations.”

You may already be taking steps to stay secure online using the following recommended security tools:

• Duo Mobile provides an added layer of protection against hackers. The tool allows you to log in to Duke email, and other services, by receiving a push notification on your mobile device.
• Duke Unlock simplifies password verification by using biometrics, PINS, and 1Password to verify passkeys. When logging into Duke sites, Duke Unlock allows you to skip using your password and second verification through Duo Mobile. 
• 1Password, a password manager, makes security more convenient. It allows you to securely sign in to websites and apps, fill out forms in a single click and store strong passwords without hassle. It also eliminates the need to remember passwords by storing them all in one place. 

Visit security.duke.edu to learn more.