Security Guidelines

You are a target. You have information that an attacker wants. Protect yourself, both in your personal life and professional, by employing simple security best practices. Check out tips and advice written by Cybersecurity in the guidance documents below.

Data & Policy

Data Classification Guidance

Details and examples of VU's data levels

click here

Data Labeling in Microsoft Tools

How to label Word, Excel, etc. files with VU's data levels.

click here

Policy Reference Guide

Summary of security policies and policy FAQs.

click here

Phishing & Scams

Phishing Awareness

How to spot and report phishing messages. 

click here

How to Write a Non-Phishy Email

Tips for writing emails that don't look like spam or phishing.

click here

Scam Protection

Tips for avoiding online scams.

click here

Using Technology

Browser Extensions

Best practices for choosing and installing extensions.

click here

Media Sanitization

Methods for removing data from electronic media. 

click here

Microsoft Teams

Considerations for Team, Channel, and Chat usage. 

click here

Software Development

Best practices for software lifecycle and coding.

click here

Traveling with Technology

Tips when traveling for business purposes.

click here

Video Conferencing

Recommendations for recording and sharing teleconference meetings.

click here
question icon

Not sure how to start?

Get in touch if you don’t know where to begin, you can’t find the guidance needed on the website, or if you just want to learn more. The Office of Cybersecurity has subject matter expertise and is here for Vanderbilt community to discuss security questions or concerns.

Get Security Help