ASCR Joins in Cyber Security Awareness Day

ASCR and other USDA agencies join together each month during 2008 for a Cyber Security Awareness Day. This month Cyber Security Awareness Day is on March 26, 2008. The theme is "Protecting and Safeguarding Information." There are ten key things every employee should remember about protecting and safeguarding information:

1. Personally Identifiable Information (PII): Protect It Like Your Own
2. Keep your password to yourself. Don't share your password with anyone, including help-desk personnel. Do not store any privacy or PII data on your computer unless it is encrypted.
3. Do not open emails that appear suspicious or sent by persons you do not know. Delete such emails immediately.
4. Get to know your agency Information Systems Security Program Manager.
5. Report lost or stolen equipment and PII to1-888-926-2373.
6. Safeguard your information and your customers' data.
7. Never provide critical computer information to just anyone. Only provide critical computer information to OIG, agency ISSPM, or USDA OCIO Cyber Security.
8. Do not install/use peer-to-peer software, download or distribute copy-righted materials, copy or use unlicensed software.
9. Do not move sensitive data to unencrypted external storage devices (i.e., USB flash drives).
10. A security clearance is not an authorization to see all information. Before sharing sensitive information and data, make sure the message receiver has a valid need to know.

Cyber Security Awareness Flyer