Cyber Security Help & Tips

The Internet is a wonderful place to find and share information, but it can also pose dangers to unwary users as cyber crimes, cyberbullying and scams increase in level and intensity. Our Office of Information Security is pleased to share with you tips and resources to help you stay safe while online. 

  • State Employees: Have you received an email message telling you to "Do view" a secured doc? If so, it's probably a phishing scam—even if it looks like it is coming from a trusted source.

Read this message from the State Chief Information Security Officer to learn:

    • how to spot & flag suspicious messages;
    • how to create a strong & unique password;
    • why you should using public Wi-Fi; and
    • the importance of logging out of all accounts at the end of your work day.

  • Fraud and Identify Theft Resources: The Consumer Protection Section of the Colorado Attorney General’s Office created Stop Fraud Colorado to protect consumers and businesses from the unscrupulous behavior of fraudsters. Visit Stop Fraud Colorado and learn more»
Concerned That Your Data Has Been Compromised?
Unfortunately, we hear all too often about data being compromised. If you think yours has been compromised, here are some steps you can take: 
  • Place a fraud alert on your credit file by contacting one of the three credit bureaus (NOTE: you only need to contact one; the one contacted must notify the other two):
  • Contact your financial institutions (e.g., bank or credit union, credit card company, etc.). In most cases, these institutions will place a fraud alert or note on your account at no charge. Some also offer a free service to text or alert you if there is a charge to your account over a certain limit.
  • Change any passwords and/or user names associated with your accounts.
  • Contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at 1.800.908.4490 or www.irs.gov to obtain an Identity Theft Affidavit (Form 14039). Fax the completed form to 1.855.807.5720 or mail it to: Internal Revenue Service, P.O. Box 9039, Andover, MA 01810-0939.
  • Periodically review your credit report for inquiries from a company that you have not contacted, accounts you did not open, and debts on your accounts that you cannot explain. NOTE: federal law allows you to obtain a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each credit reporting company.
Five Quick Tips
  1. Create and use strong passwords or pass-phrases that contain a mixture of upper and lower case letters, at least one number, and at least one symbol/special character. Don't use the same password/pass-phrase for all of your accounts and logins.
  2. Use and regularly update anti-virus, malware, and spyware software. 
  3. Never provide personal or financial information in response to an email, even if it appears legitimate. 
  4. Do not click on links or download attachments in email messages you receive from people you do not know or content that seems suspicious.
  5. Backup your important files.