Cybersecurity Awareness Month Week 4 - Keep Software Updated & Practice Digital Hygiene
October 26, 2026
Post By Kayla Kelly
One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your devices and data is keeping your software up to date and performing routine digital cleanup.
Throughout October — Cybersecurity Awareness Month — the University Information Security Office and ODU’s School of Cybersecurity, in partnership with the Division of Enrollment, Transformation, and Technology, have shared simple cybersecurity practices to help safeguard your digital life. As we wrap up the month, practicing good digital hygiene ensures your accounts and devices stay secure year-round.
Why Updates Matter (Stop Hitting "Remind Me Tomorrow")
Hackers constantly search for vulnerabilities in operating systems, browsers, and applications. Software developers issue security patches to fix those security gaps.
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Install Security Updates Promptly: Software updates act like digital repair kits. When a company finds a security hole in an app or operating system, they release a fix (called a patch). Delaying these updates leaves known entry points open for cybercriminals to exploit.
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Auto-Updates Aren't Foolproof: Automatic update settings do not always install fixes right away. Many updates wait until your device is plugged in, connected to Wi-Fi, or restarted, while others pause if your device runs low on storage space.
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Restart Weekly: Get into the habit of rebooting your devices at least once a week so pending security updates finish installing.
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Download Only from Official Sources: Always update directly through official app stores or developer websites. Never click pop-up ads or unverified links claiming your software is outdated.
Conduct a Digital Cleanup
Over time, unused applications and unmonitored accounts collect personal data and increase your security exposure.
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Delete Unused Apps: Remove applications you no longer use from your phone and computer.
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Close Old Accounts: Delete inactive personal accounts on websites and services you no longer visit.
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Back Up Important Files: Keep copies of critical coursework, research, and personal files using approved cloud storage options like ODU OneDrive to prevent data loss.
Privacy & Security Checkup
Take time to review what permissions your applications have:
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Review App Permissions: Check which apps have access to your location, camera, contacts, and microphone, and disable access for apps that do not need it.
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Review Connected Accounts: Check third-party apps and websites connected to your personal accounts and disconnect services you no longer use.
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Handle Unsupported Hardware: When older devices stop receiving security updates, transition to supported hardware. Avoid using unsupported devices for sensitive tasks like online banking or university portals.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month Checkup
Bring the month together by reviewing these core habits:
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Passphrases: Are your passwords at least 16 characters long, unique for every site, and stored securely?
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MFA & Duo: Do you verify every Duo prompt before approving and deny requests you did not initiate?
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Safe AI Use: Are you removing sensitive, confidential, and personal details before entering prompts into AI tools?
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Phishing Vigilance: Do you double-check sender addresses?
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Up-to-Date Devices: Are your computers, phones, and apps running the latest security updates?
Cybersecurity Is a Year-Round Habit
Cybersecurity Awareness Month may end in October, but keeping ODU secure requires consistent daily habits.
ODU Resources & Support:
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MIDAS Account Portal: Visit midas.odu.edu to manage credentials, update Duo settings, or reset compromised passwords.
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IT Help Desk: Contact the ODU IT Help Desk or Information Security Office for support with suspicious emails or device security.
Want to review all campaign materials? Check out @oduett_ on social media for quick guides, security tips, and reminders from across the month!