Workplace Security
📞 Who to Contact (IT Security Help Desk)
If you click a suspicious link, notice unusual device behavior, or lose a county-owned device, report it instantly.
- • Internal Extension: Ext. 46438
- • Physical Office: Dillon County Clerk of Courts Address (1st floor)
Phishing is the most common way cybercriminals attempt to access county networks. Always inspect incoming emails before clicking links or downloading attachments.
Use the S.E.N.D. checklist to verify suspicious emails:
- S – Sender Address: Check the actual email address, not just the display name. External emails trying to look internal often use slight typos (e.g., john.doe@dilloncountysc.gov vs john.doe@dilloncounty-sc.gov).
- E – External Tag: Pay attention to the automated [EXTERNAL EMAIL] banner at the top of emails originating outside our secure network.
- N – Non-Standard Urgency: Be wary of phrases like "Action Required Immediately," "Your account will be suspended," or requests demanding urgent wire transfers or gift cards.
- D – Directing to Links/Attachments: Hover your mouse over links (without clicking) to preview the destination URL. Look out for unexpected
.exe,.zip, or macro-enabled Excel files.
🛑 Crucial Security Rule: If you suspect phishing, do not forward the email to coworkers. Use the "Report Phishing" button in your email client or contact the IT Help Desk immediately.
Our laptops, desktops, and mobile devices are the frontline of county security. Please adhere strictly to the following guidelines:
- Lock Before You Walk: Always press Windows Key + L (or Command + Control + Q on Mac) every time you step away from your desk—even for a minute.
- Approved Software Only: Never download or install third-party software, browser extensions, or utilities without explicit approval from the IT Department.
- Removable Media Restrictions: Do not plug unknown USB drives, external hard drives, or personal smartphones into county-owned devices. These are frequent vectors for malware.
Weak passwords put the entire county infrastructure at risk. Please review and apply these strict credential policies:
- Use Passphrases: Instead of short passwords with complex characters, use long passphrases (e.g., Bluebird-Marion-Bridge-2026!). They are harder for hackers to crack but easier for you to remember.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA is mandatory for accessing Dillon County networks remotely. Never approve an MFA prompt on your phone unless you actively initiated a login request.
- No Password Sharing: IT personnel will never ask you for your password. Do not write passwords on sticky notes attached to your monitor.
Dillon County networks rely on smart user decisions. Protect county equipment by implementing these secure web standards:
- Look for the Padlock: Ensure websites you visit utilize secure connections (HTTPS). Look for the padlock icon in the browser address bar before entering any credentials or form data.
- Avoid Public Wi-Fi: When working remotely or traveling on county business, never connect to public, unsecured Wi-Fi networks (like coffee shops or hotels) without activating the Dillon County secure VPN.
- Personal Use Limitation: Minimize personal browsing, social media use, and streaming on county devices to reduce exposure to compromised websites.
