Ah, vacations… the time to unplug, unwind, and escape the everyday grind. But just like that, the holidays are over, and the January blues have set in, so it’s time to re-engage with your security and privacy habits. Whether you’ve been sipping coffee in a mountain lodge or scrolling through social media on a sunny beach, taking these steps can ensure a smooth (and secure) return to [campus] life. Let’s dive in!
1. Audit Your Digital Footprint: If your vacation highlights included Instagram-worthy sunsets or a few too many beach selfies, now’s the time to double-check your social media privacy settings. Oversharing can unintentionally reveal sensitive details about you or your institution. Review your posts, tighten those settings, and remember: the internet never forgets, but you can make it harder to find.
2. Secure Your Devices: Did you connect to a hotel/public Wi-Fi, or borrow a friend’s laptop? It’s time for a little digital housekeeping:
- Change your passwords, especially for critical accounts like your email or other institutional systems.
- Run an antivirus scan on your devices to catch any sneaky malware picked up during your travels.
- Check that your device’s software is up-to-date, including operating systems and apps.
3. Reassess Physical Security: Returning to campus? Take a moment to:
- Inspect your workspace or office for any signs of tampering.
- Secure any confidential documents or devices that may have been left unattended.
- Verify that your keys, ID badges, or access cards are still both in your possession and functional.
4. Check for Suspicious Activity: While you were out soaking up the sun, someone else might have been trying to soak up your data, so this is a good opportunity to review your email inbox for suspicious logins or phishing attempts.
Monitor all your regular systems or tools for any activity that doesn’t look quite right,and report anything unusual to your IT or security team ASAP; we do more than writing cool articles and can be of help!
5. Update Your Software and Systems: IT never sleeps, even when you’re on vacation. Check your devices and systems for any updates you might have missed while you were away. Installing updates promptly can protect against vulnerabilities and keep your tech running smoothly.
6. Reflect and Reset, and Remember what your role is about: This is a good time to reorganize your workspace (digital or physical) for better efficiency, and consider adopting new security habits, like enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) or using a password manager. With the new AI features invading all your technology, you might want to even consider attending some online courses to gain more knowledge and confidence; remember that we have access to LinkedIn Learning, which offers a great umbrella of content to take advantage of.
Coming back from vacation doesn’t have to be a drag. Think of it as a chance to beat the January blues and start fresh, both personally and professionally. Welcome back, and here’s to a safe and successful 2025!