RIT
Information Security

Digital Self Defense Safe Practices

Staying safe on the Internet requires more than just updated anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Anti-virus cannot protect you from online scams or from poorly encrypted websites. The safe practices on this page will help you stay safe on the Internet and teach you to recognize and avoid common online scams and threats.

Digital Copyright
Are you aware that the RIAA has targeted students at RIT? Visit the ITS Digital Copyright page to learn more about copyright violations at RIT and how they are handled.

E-mail
Learn how you can improve the security of your e-mail at RIT through technical and non-technical practices.

Identity Theft
Identity theft has been the number one complaint to the FTC for eight consecutive years. Learn how to keep your identity safe online and what to do if your identity is stolen.

Instant Messaging
Instant messaging applications now incorporate many features other than just chat. Unfortunately, this has opened them up to malware, phishing, and identity theft attacks. Read our tips on how to use instant messaging safely.

Phishing
Try as we might, RIT simply cannot stop every fraudulent e-mail that enters our network. Nor can we protect you at home. Learn how to recognize and avoid online scams.

Safe Blogging & Social Networking
There are more than 20,000 users registered on the RIT network on Facebook. Social networks have exploded, but how much information is too much? Learn about the potential dangers that exist and how you can protect yourself on these sites.

Safe Online Shopping and Banking
Longing for the convenience of shopping and banking right from your home, but worried about security? We’ll show you everything you need to consider before taking your money online.

Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
Need to access RIT resources from outside the network? Need a secure connection to the Institute network from a remote location? Find out more about what VPN is and how it works at RIT.

Web Browsing Safely
The basics: learn about the different web browsers available, add-ons that can improve security, and how to browse using limited account privileges.

Wireless Networking
Learn about wireless networking at RIT, at home, and on public networks; and the potential dangers you face.