Cybersecurity Checklist
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Select Your Profile
Keep Your Account Safe
Your UARK account allows you to access important online services like Blackboard, UAConnect, UARK email and more. A secure password and multi-factor authentication are required for all UARK accounts.
Don't Get Locked Out
Update your security info at account.uark.edu to make sure you can always access your account. Multi-factor authentication requires you to use your device to log in.
Important! Keep your phone charged and with you whenever you need to access UARK services.
Use Smart Passwords
Your UARK password cannot contain common phrases, personal information and previously-used passwords. Keep these tips in mind when coming up with a strong password:
- The best passwords are memorable and secure passphrases.
- With a safe password manager tool, you only have to remember one master password.
Prevent Scams
Phishing is any attempt, especially through email and text messages, to get your passwords and other personal data for nefarious purposes. Protect your identity and other sensitive data by learning to recognize and prevent phishing scams. Use the Report Message button in Outlook to report any suspicious email.
Don't get scammed! Urgent requests to provide information, help someone, get free gift cards, etc., are more often than not scams.
Malicious actors also use spam phone calls, called spoofing, to access your personal information. Learn how to protect yourself from call spoofing.
Send Safe Email
Whether you're emailing your advisor with sensitive personal information or contacting classmates, it's important to send email safely.
- Always use your official UARK email account any time you are working with your instructors and other university staff.
- Use the official Outlook apps on all your devices.
- When sending sensitive data such as personally identifiable information, financial information, etc., use the email encryption feature in Outlook.
Practice Good Device Hygiene
Update Your Software
Scammers can get to your data by exploiting security issues in outdated software. Protect your devices and the data stored on them by keeping your operating system, apps and web browsers up to date. Learn more about software updates.
Antivirus Protection
Updated security software is the best defense against viruses and other malware attacks that can wreak havoc on your privacy and data. Windows users should enable the built-in antivirus tool Windows Defender. Stay protected with Windows Security
Keep Your Account Safe
Your UARK account allows you to access important online services like Blackboard, UAConnect, UARK email and more. A secure password and multi-factor authentication are required for all UARK accounts.
Don't Get Locked Out
Update your security info at account.uark.edu to make sure you can always access your account. Multi-factor authentication requires you to use your device to log in.
Important! Keep your phone charged and with you whenever you need to access UARK services.
Use Smart Passwords
Your UARK password cannot contain common phrases, personal information and previously-used passwords. Keep these tips in mind when coming up with a strong password:
- The best passwords are memorable and secure passphrases.
- With a safe password manager tool, you only have to remember one master password.
Prevent Scams
Phishing is any attempt, especially through email and text messages, to get your passwords and other personal data for nefarious purposes. Protect your identity and other sensitive data by learning to recognize and prevent phishing scams. Use the Report Message button in Outlook to report any suspicious email.
Don't get scammed! Urgent requests to provide information, help someone, get free gift cards, etc., are more often than not scams.
Malicious actors also use spam phone calls, called spoofing, to access your personal information. Learn how to protect yourself from call spoofing.
Send Safe Email
Whether you're emailing grades to students or sharing FERPA, HIPAA or other sensitive personal information, it's important to send email safely.
- Always use your official UARK email account any time you are contacting students or conducting other university busines
- Use the official Outlook apps on all your devices.
- When sending sensitive data such as personally identifiable information, financial information, etc., use the email encryption feature in Outlook.
Practice Good Device Hygiene
Update Your Software
Scammers can get to your data by exploiting security issues in outdated software. Protect your devices and the data stored on them by keeping your operating system, apps and web browsers up to date. Learn more about software updates.
Antivirus Protection
Updated security software is the best defense against viruses and other malware attacks that can wreak havoc on your privacy and data. Faculty and staff using university-owned computers have antivirus protection through endpoint management software installed by their departments or units. For more information, contact your area's IT support team or contact the IT Help Desk.
Secure University Data
University employees have a legal responsibility to protect personal data for all students, faculty and staff. Unprotected data can lead to identity theft and put the university at risk.
- Only store grades in Blackboard Learn, UAConnect, or a secure university file storage solution (OneDrive).
- When handling sensitive personal, financial or medical information, follow regulatations and standards for PCI, HIPAA and GLBA.
- Never leave devices unattended unless locked by password and physically secured in locked cabinets, etc.
- Encrypt files on all external storage media, for example, hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.
- Report lost or stolen devices immediately.
- Learn more about handling sensitive university data.
- Securing University Data
Traveling and Working Remotely
Whether traveling or working remotely, faculty and staff must use cybersecurity best practices and maintain secure computer workstations and connections.
- Off-campus Network Access (VPN) allows you to establish a secure connection to UARK services.
- Eduroam is available at participating institutions to securely connect to Wi-Fi using your UARK credentials.
- Mistakes happen. If your university-owned device is lost or stolen while traveling, follow the procedure for stolen or lost devices.
Keep Your Account Safe
Your UARK account allows you to access important online services like Blackboard, UAConnect, UARK email and more. A secure password and multi-factor authentication are required for all UARK accounts.
Don't Get Locked Out
Update your security info at account.uark.edu to make sure you can always access your account. Multi-factor authentication requires you to use your device to log in.
Important! Keep your phone charged and with you whenever you need to access UARK services.
Use Smart Passwords
Your UARK password cannot contain common phrases, personal information and previously-used passwords. Keep these tips in mind when coming up with a strong password:
- The best passwords are memorable and secure passphrases.
- With a safe password manager tool, you only have to remember one master password.
Prevent Scams
Phishing is any attempt, especially through email and text messages, to get your passwords and other personal data for nefarious purposes. Protect your identity and other sensitive data by learning to recognize and prevent phishing scams. Use the Report Message button in Outlook to report any suspicious email.
Don't get scammed! Urgent requests to provide information, help someone, get free gift cards, etc., are more often than not scams.
Malicious actors also use spam phone calls, called spoofing, to access your personal information. Learn how to protect yourself from call spoofing.
Send Safe Email
Whether you're emailing coworkers on a project or sharing FERPA, HIPAA or other sensitive personal information, it's important to send email safely.
- Always use your official UARK email account any time you are contacting students or conducting other university busines
- Use the official Outlook apps on all your devices.
- When sending sensitive data such as personally identifiable information, financial information, etc., use the email encryption feature in Outlook.
Practice Good Device Hygiene
Update Your Software
Scammers can get to your data by exploiting security issues in outdated software. Protect your devices and the data stored on them by keeping your operating system, apps and web browsers up to date. Learn more about software updates.
Antivirus Protection
Updated security software is the best defense against viruses and other malware attacks that can wreak havoc on your privacy and data. Faculty and staff using university-owned computers have antivirus protection through endpoint management software installed by their departments or units. For more information, contact your area's IT support team or contact the IT Help Desk.
Secure University Data
University employees have a legal responsibility to protect personal data for all students, faculty and staff. Unprotected data can lead to identity theft and put the university at risk.
- Only store grades in Blackboard Learn, UAConnect, or a secure university file storage solution (OneDrive).
- When handling sensitive personal, financial or medical information, follow regulatations and standards for PCI, HIPAA and GLBA.
- Never leave devices unattended unless locked by password and physically secured in locked cabinets, etc.
- Encrypt files on all external storage media, for example, hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.
- Report lost or stolen devices immediately.
- Learn more about handling sensitive university data.
- Securing University Data
Traveling and Working Remotely
Whether traveling or working remotely, faculty and staff must use cybersecurity best practices and maintain secure computer workstations and connections.
- Off-campus Network Access (VPN) allows you to establish a secure connection to UARK services.
- Eduroam is available at participating institutions to securely connect to Wi-Fi using your UARK credentials.
- Mistakes happen. If your university-owned device is lost or stolen while traveling, follow the procedure for stolen or lost devices.
What to Do If...
In addition to increasing your cybersecurity awareness, it's important to know what to do if your data, devices or accounts are compromised.
Be Cyber Aware
Be a good steward of your personal data and university resources. Familiarize yourself with university policies about maintaining secure campus technology.
- Data Classification
- Code of Computing Practices
- Multifactor Authentication
- Computer and Network Security
- View All IT Policies
Stay in Touch
Get the latest updates about information security and technology on campus.