Tips to stay safe

We do what we can to keep you and your accounts secure. However, there's only so much within our control, so here's how you can protect yourself from cyber threats and attacks.

Make strong passwords

Using complex, frequently updated passwords is essential to defend yourself online. When did you last change your YCP password?

Consider LastPass

Want a safe place to store your passwords? We use and suggest LastPass; it's user friendly, encrypted, works well across browsers and mobile apps, and generates custom, highly complex passwords in seconds.

Learn more about LastPass.

Use multi-factor authentication (MFA)

After you enter your password on a site, multi-factor authentication also buzzes your phone for your quick approval. This way, even if someone stole your password, they still can't get into your account.

Learn how to enable multi-factor authentication on LastPass.

Learn more about multi-factor authentication for MyYCP.

Protect your identity

You have about a 1 in 20 chance of becoming an identity theft victim; it's among the fastest growing US crimes. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to stay secure.

Learn how to prevent identity theft.

Know how your data is used

Technology is evermore convenient, but do you know what info is being collected from you?

Learn how to protect your data and privacy.

Don't fall for phishing

Please read our phishing article for more details.

Know the sender

Commonly, phishing emails impersonate someone you know (including a member of the YCP community), but originate from an unfamiliar, outside email address. Please pay very careful note of the sender, be skeptical of offers to buy anything, and don't click any links that you aren't already expecting.

Look out for [EXTERNAL] email tags

All incoming mail to YCP employees from outside of the @ycp.edu domain is marked with [EXTERNAL] in the email subject.

Related topics

• Network account: Follow the SMS/Alternate Email section to further protect your YCP account.

• Identity theft

• Ouch! Newsletter

• SANS Security Awareness Blog

• Zoombombing: Protect your Zoom meetings.

• Copyright infringement

My account was compromised

If you know that (or are unsure if) someone else has gotten into your account, change your password immediately. This will stop whoever is in there from being able to re-enter. Also, if you were using a similar password for any other accounts, change them fast too.

Then, contact us; we'll gladly answer your questions and help guide you through the next steps.

Learn more about securing your compromised account.

Tip: Responding to Identity Theft, Fraud and Cybercrime

Employee security awareness training

We're bringing SANS Security Awareness training to York College employees. More information will be sent to your YCP email address.