Christian Walliker - General Security Tips Security inside buildings

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Christian Walliker - General Security Tips
Security inside buildings
Residence halls

• Lock all doors, even if you are leaving only for
  a short time.
• Make certain to lock your door before you go to
  sleep.
• Never prop open any locking door.
• Avoid leaving notes on your door saying that you
  are out.
• If you use voice mail, do not provide your name
  or phone number in the outgoing message.
• Campus offices and labs
• Be sure doors are locked whenever you leave an
  unattended office or lab.

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• Never leave doors propped open or leave keys in
  an unlocked cabinet or desk drawer. Lock
  cabinets and drawers when not in use.
• It is not advisable to tape extra keys under desk
  drawers or in file cabinets.
• Dont unlock entire floors or department areas if
  only a single door or work area will provide the
  necessary access.
• Secure computer equipment, balance scales, and
  other small portable items to a fixed surface
  using manufacturers security devices or cable
  locks available from Protective Services.
• When leaving your office or lab for the day, make
  sure all windows are closed and locked, all
  valuables and confidential materials are locked
  up, and all desks, files, and doors are locked.
• Secure purses, wallets, backpacks, briefcases, or
  electronic devices in locked cabinets, closets,
  or other safe areas.

Security outside buildings Street crime

• Try to avoid walking alone, particularly during
  hours of darkness. If you must walk alone at
  night, use well-lit streets with as much vehicle
  traffic as possible and walk near the curb.
• Avoid carrying a purse and keep a wallet in your
  pocket instead. Keeping money separate will
  allow you to hand over your cash without
  sacrificing your credit cards, identification,
  and personal papers/cards. If you must carry a
  purse, clutch it tightly under your arm rather
  than loosely hung from your shoulder. Use a
  shoulder strap across your body.
• Scan the area ahead as you walk. If you observe
  suspicious person or vehicles, change direction
  and walk to a place of safety.

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• If you are walking when streets are relatively
  empty, make eye contact with everyone you pass
  and keep yourself at arms length away from them.
• Walk briskly and confidently.
• After dark public parks, vacant lots, and areas
  with excessive trees and bushes.
• While waiting for a bus or MetroLink train, if
  the station is deserted, wait in a well-lit
  section with your back against the wall, if
  possible.
• Always pay attention to your surroundings.
• Driving/parking lots and garages
• Have your key ready when you approach your
  vehicle.
• Check before you get in to make sure no one is
  hiding beneath or inside the vehicle.
• Enter your vehicle, start the engine, secure the
  doors, latch your seat belt, and drive away.
• Drive on well traveled streets and never pick up
  hitchhikers. Dont hitchhike yourself.
• Keep your car in gear while stopped, with all the
  windows up and doors locked.
• When you park, use a well-lighted, designated
  parking area.
• If you carry valuables in your carsuch as GPS
  devices, cell phones, laptop or tablet
  computers, or loose changekeep them out of sight
  in the trunk.
• Keep cell phones charged and contacts up-to-date.
• If you are deliberately forced to stop your
  vehicle, keep the doors locked, turn on the
  lights, and sound the horn. Use your cell phone
  to call for help.
• Notify Protective Services, in advance, if you
  have arranged for windshield/glass replacement,
  mechanical service, or towing, while you are at
  work.

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• Off campus
• Keep your doors and windows closed and locked.
• Contact your local police department for
  recommendations regarding lock purchase and
  replacement.
• Always identify visitors before letting them in.
• Request that service people show identification
  before you open the door.
• Use a timer to turn lights and a radio on and
  off, if you will arrive home late or will be
  away for a period of time.
• Keep police and emergency numbers near your
  telephone. 911 is the default emergency number
  for most areas.
• Do not lend your keys to service people or anyone
  you do not know and trust.
• If a stranger asks to use your telephone or cell
  phone, do not open the door. Offer to call for
  them.
• Do not give credit card numbers to any stranger
  or to anyone over the phone unless you are
  certain to whom you are speaking.
• Report any unusual or suspicious activity near
  your home to the local police.

Identity theft Credit/debit cards and personal
checks

• Keep credit/debit cards, personal checks, and
  cash in a safe place.
• Shop with credit/debit cards or checks when
  possible. They are less likely to be stolen than
  cash.
• Keep a record of all credit/debit card account
  numbers and telephone numbers associated with
  these accounts.

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• Photocopy both front and back of all your
  credit/debit cards and keep the copies in a
  secure location.
• Do not keep Personal Identification Numbers (PIN)
  in any location that may be associated with the
  cards they activate.
• Do not give account numbers over the telephone,
  by mail, or online, unless you are certain of
  the companys service and credibility.
• Always keep credit/debit card receipts.
• Report the loss or theft of credit/debit cards
  immediately to the issuing authority.
• File a police report in the jurisdiction where
  the card was stolen. This proves to credit
  providers that you are diligent and is the first
  step toward an investigation.
• Call the three national credit report
  organizations immediately to place a fraud alert
  on your name and social security number. The
  alert means that any company that checks your
  credit will know that your card was stolen and
  they much contact you to authorize new credit.
• Identity theft
• Exercise caution when sharing personal
  information over the internet, the telephone, or
  in person.
• Do no put your credit card number on the internet
  unless it is encrypted on a secured site.
• Do not put your telephone number, social security
  number, or telephone number on checks or your
  credit receipts.
• When you order new credit cars in the mail, watch
  the calendar to make sure you get the card
  within the appropriate time. Destroy expired
  credit cards.
• Cancel all credit cards you have not used in the
  last six months.

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• Shred all documents, including pre-approved
  credit applications received in your name,
  insurance forms, bank checks, statements, and
  other financial information you are discarding.
• If victimized, notify the financial institutions
  where your accounts may have been tampered with.
  Closing accounts may be necessary.
• Place a watch on all checks coming through your
  account to ensure only checks you wrote are
  paid. Check online accounts regularly to insure
  proper status.
• Change your ATM Card and PIN number.
• Notify all of your credit-card companies.

General safety tips ATM safety tips

• Be alert at all times when using any ATM
  (walk-up, drive-up, inside, or outside). After
  completing your transaction, leave immediately.
• Avoid using an ATM in an isolated or
  poorly-lighted area after dark.
• Be accompanied by another person when using an
  ATM after dark.
• Refrain from displaying cash. Place cash in your
  pocket or purse as soon as the transaction is
  completed.
• If you notice anyone or anything that seems
  suspicious when using or considering the use of
  an ATM, dont make the transaction use another
  ATM or return at a later time.
• Report all crimes to the operator of the ATM or
  to local law enforcement officials.
• Protect your ATM or debit card as you would cash
  or a credit card, and never let anyone else use
  it. Do not share the PIN associated with your
  card.

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• Memorize your PIN. Do not write it on your card
  or leave it in your wallet.