Week 4: Physical Security and Protecting Our Campus
Physical Security and Protecting Our Campus
Before you leave for the day: lock your computer, secure sensitive information, and make sure your workspace is protected.
Cybersecurity and physical security work together. An unlocked computer, a document left on a printer, or a secure door held open for someone without access can expose information just as easily as a stolen password. CCRI is an open campus, and everyone plays a part in protecting the sensitive spaces and information connected to their role.
Protect What’s in Front of You
|
Where |
What you can do |
|---|---|
|
Your computer |
Lock your screen every time you step away: Windows key + L (Windows) or Control + Command + Q (Mac). Never write passwords on sticky notes or leave them in a desk drawer. |
|
Paper documents |
Pick up printouts right away. Lock away papers that include student or personal information when you’re not using them. Shred sensitive documents instead of recycling them. Student education records are protected by federal privacy law (FERPA). |
|
Offices and workspaces |
Close and lock your office when you leave. Keep a clean desk at the end of the day. Don’t leave keys in locks or cabinets. |
|
Labs, classrooms, and shared spaces |
Log out of shared computers when you’re done. Don’t leave personal devices unattended. Report damaged or tampered equipment to the IT Help Desk. |
|
Restricted areas |
Network closets, telecommunications rooms, and utility spaces are off-limits unless you’re authorized. Keep these doors closed and locked, never prop them open, and don’t let others follow you in without their own access. |
|
Portable devices |
Keep laptops, tablets, and phones with you, or lock them up. Never leave them visible in a car. Report a lost or stolen college device to the IT Help Desk right away. |
Open Campus, Protected Spaces
CCRI is open to everyone. Our libraries, public spaces, and community services welcome the public, and seeing people in our buildings is a normal part of college life. It is never, by itself, a reason for concern. Physical security at CCRI is about protecting the sensitive spaces and information connected to your role.
- Know which spaces are sensitive. Offices that hold student or employee records, network and telecommunications rooms, and restricted labs and utility spaces are open only to people whose role requires access.
- Don’t allow tailgating. Tailgating is when someone follows an authorized person through a door that requires access without using their own. It usually happens because people want to be polite. You can be friendly and still keep the door closed: “Sorry, this area needs access. The office that manages it can help you.”
- Verify unexpected service visits. If someone says they’re here to work on equipment in a restricted area and you weren’t expecting them, check with the IT Help Desk before opening the door.
- Keep information out of view. In shared and public-facing spaces, clear your desk, turn papers face down, and position your screen so others can’t read it.
- Help people find their way. If someone looks lost, offer to point them to the office or service they need.
Found a USB Drive?
Don’t plug it in to see whose it is. CISA warns that USB drives can carry malware to your computer. Turn found drives in to the IT Help Desk.
Disposing of Old Devices and Documents
- Don’t throw away or give away college computers, drives, or phones. Contact the IT Help Desk so they can be wiped and disposed of properly.
- At home, erase your personal devices before you sell, donate, or recycle them, following CISA’s guidance.
- Shred paper that shows Social Security numbers, account numbers, or student information.
Your action this week: Before you leave for the day, lock your computer, secure sensitive information, and make sure your workspace is protected.
See Something? Say Something.
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If you notice… |
Contact |
|---|---|
|
An emergency or immediate safety threat |
Campus Police emergency line: (401) 825-2000 |
|
A propped door, broken lock, or other non-emergency safety or security concern |
Campus Police non-emergency line: (401) 825-2109. TDD: (401) 851-1619. |
|
A lost or stolen device, a found USB drive, tampered equipment, or a suspicious message |
IT Help Desk: [email protected] or 401-825-1112 |
This Week’s Challenge: Spot the Risks
Follow Jordan, a fictional CCRI staff member, through a busy Friday afternoon. How many of the 10 security risks can you find?
- Download Spot the Risks (PDF).
- Spot the Risks Answer Key (PDF).
Free Resources
- Contact Campus Police (CCRI)
- Report a Crime (CCRI Campus Police)
- Protecting Portable Devices: Physical Security (CISA)
- Using Caution with USB Drives (CISA)
- Proper Disposal of Electronic Devices (CISA)
- What Is FERPA? (U.S. Department of Education)
Need help? IT Help Desk: [email protected] | 401-825-1112 | Help Desk portal
Thank you for being part of CCRI’s Cybersecurity Team. See the Cybersecurity Awareness Month page for a recap of all four weeks.