As the year winds down and we prepare to take a well-deserved break, there is one effective step to make sure you start 2025 securely: turn off your computer before the break. This small action helps safeguard both your personal data as well as Berkeley Lab data, and it saves energy.
Why Turn Off Your Computer?
When a computer is turned off, it is effectively disconnected from networks, making it impossible for remote attackers to access or exploit it. Also, a complete shutdown allows for a fresh restart, which is often required for critical system updates to take effect. Restarting after the break ensures that the latest patches and security enhancements are applied.
Recommended Actions Before You Leave
To protect your data and ensure a smooth start to the new year, take the following steps before heading out:
- Turn off your computer: This is the most recommended action. A powered-off computer also reduces the risk of unauthorized access during the break.
- If you must keep your computer on, update your devices manually: Ensure your devices are running the latest versions:
- Operating System: (e.g., Mac OS Sequoia 15.0 or Windows 11 24H2)
- Web Browser: (e.g., Chrome, Firefox)
- Mobile Firmware: (e.g., iOS 18.0)
- Core Applications: (e.g., Zoom, Office)
- For Linux servers: Update critical components like Apache, PHP, SSH, and SSL.
Start 2025 Securely
A little preparation now will go a long way toward protecting your devices and data in the future. So before you leave for the year-end break, remember to turn off your computer and verify that all your devices are updated when you return in the new year. It’s a straightforward step that makes a big difference.
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