Security and Safe Computing
Information Security Program
At Farmingdale State College, we prioritize the secure and responsible management of sensitive information, including compliance with New York State and SUNY policies related to information security.
Our commitment extends to the collection, handling, storage, and utilization of data in a manner that upholds standards of security and confidentiality.
Use of Information Technology
Farmingdale's Systems and Network are available to students for the pursuit of academic advancement. Respecting others and the appropriate use of technology is essential to ensuring that the College is safe and enjoyable for all.
FSC IT resources should never be used for personal financial gain, illegal activities, harassment of others or for any use that would damage the integrity of the College.
Use of College resources in violation of policy or state and federal law will be subject to academic discipline and potential legal action. Please refer to the Acceptable Use Policy for more information.
Phishing is the attempt to obtain your sensitive information for malicious reasons, by the criminals disguising themselves as a trustworthy entity through social engineering and electronic communications.
Your best defense is to follow your gut and use common sense to avoid becoming a victim.
Here are a few tips that may help you stay out of harm’s way:
- Never share personal information over the phone. If you’re unsure just hang up. Legitimate companies or institutions will never ask for such information.
- When reading emails:
- Never open links from unknown mail sources.
- Check the sender’s email address as well as the body of the email for errors and typos.
- Errors and typos in the email are an easy sign you're about to be phished.
The easiest way to avoid scams and other social engineering attacks is to have an understanding of the tactics employed by attackers. Know what some of the Social Engineering Red Flags are.
No Instructor, Staff, Advisor or anyone affiliated with FSC should ever ask you for your password!
- If this is ever the case, never share your password.
- You are accountable for what is done with your account.
More Survival Tips
- There is never, not a good time to change your password.
- Use a combination of Capital and Lower Case Letters, Numbers and Special Characters
- A longer password is always stronger.
Password Requirements for Students, Faculty & Staff
- Passwords expire every 120 days
- Minimum password length is 8 characters
- Passwords cannot contain your username, first or last name
- Passwords must contain at least 1 upper case letter, 1 lower case letter, 1 number or special character
- Old passwords cannot be reused
Personal Devices: You are accountable for any actions performed through these devices, by you or anyone else! Always log out of FSC systems before you share your device with anyone.
FSC Computers: Log in as yourself. Always remember to log out completely to prevent someone else from accessing your account. This would result in a very bad day for you.
In life, you always need to have a Plan B. Plan B = Back Up Plan. This applies to your files and data as well. If you don’t want to lose it, then back them up!
Every student has their own:
- Google Drive - 15 GB storage space and accessible from anywhere with internet access.
- OneDrive - 5 TB of storage space. With OneDrive you can store and access files from anywhere and set permissions so that you can control who accesses and edits what.
Cyberbullying is aggression that takes place over digital devices like computers, cell phones, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through text messages, email, social media, and any other type of online venue. Farmingdale State College takes any form of bullying very seriously.
If you are the victim of Cyberbullying never hesitate to report it or ask for help by emailing or calling the Helpdesk at Helpdesk@farmingdale.edu or 934-420-2754.
The Farmingdale IT Helpdesk is here to support you. If you have been a victim of any of the issues described above or if you just have questions, contact the Helpdesk at Helpdesk@farmingdale.edu or 934-420-2754.
Faculty & Staff Safe Computing Best Practices |