Data Privacy and Security Measures Checklist
Keep your accounts, data and devices private by following these tips.
Devices & Apps
- Set privacy controls and permissions
- Disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use
- Turn off personalized ads
- Enable firewall and antivirus/spyware software
- Perform recommended updates
- Encrypt your hard drive and sensitive files
- Protect mobile device data with auto-lock and Touch ID
- Turn off / opt out of AI tools
- Limit what data apps can access
- Turn off geolocation unless needed and require apps to ask permission to track
- Download apps only from official app stores
- Delete apps you no longer use to minimize data collection
- Use university-supported tools
Resources
National Cybersecurity Alliance:
How to manage your privacy settings on popular platforms and apps
Consumer Reports: How to Turn Off AI Tools
For university-approved tools, visit our
Confluence Software and Service Catalog
IT Support Services website for widely used accounts and programs available to students and faculty and staff
Internet Browsing
- Review website privacy notices to understand how your data is collected and used
- Block and delete cookies
- Use private browsers like Chrome Incognito, Firefox or DuckDuckGo
- Keep browsers and systems updated
- Only use secure website connections ("https") when sharing personal info
- Only shop on trusted websites
- Log off and sign out when done browsing
Resources
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) for tips to stay safe
Email Security
- Beware of phishing emails - always verify the sender’s email address carefully, even if it’s someone you know
- Don’t click on suspicious or unknown emails
- Use multiple email accounts for different purposes (Keep personal and professional interests separate e.g., sign up for Netflix or Disney+ with your personal email).
- Delete old emails when they’re no longer needed
Resources
Federal Trade Commission–Consumer Advice: How To Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams
Social Media
- Think before posting - could an image, comment or post reveal your location or be misused?
- Adjust privacy and account settings
- Set and adjust social media app permissions regularly
- If hacked, report it and alert your contacts
- Enable multifactor authentication whenever available
Resources
Federal Employees Benefit Association: How to Protect Your Privacy on Social Media
Miscellaneous
Create strong, unique passwords for each account
Review our password guidelines, support.appstate.edu/password/guidelines
Backup and securely dispose of digital files, devices and paper records
We recycle and reduce e-waste, today.appstate.edu/2023/10/31/surplus-recycling
Additional Resources
Consumer Reports: Consumer Reports shares privacy tips, product ratings and news to help consumers protect their privacy.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Privacy and security resources for consumers and businesses. English and Español
Future of Privacy Forum: The Future of Privacy Forum brings together industry, academics, consumer advocates and other thought leaders to explore the challenges posed by technological innovation and develop privacy protections, ethical norms and workable business practices.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): Develops cybersecurity and privacy standards, guidelines, best practices and resources to meet the needs of U.S. industry, federal agencies,and the broader public. Activities range from producing specific information that organizations can put into practice to longer-term research that anticipates future challenges and technological advancements.