With the beginning of the new academic year, cybercriminals are hard at work. Phishing attacks are up by 11% over last year and ransomware makes up 10% of data breaches in 2021, more than twice that of 2020¹. Luckily there are some healthy security practices that we all can take to reduce risk:

• Beware of email messages urgently requesting personal information. Look out for fake logos, signatures, or suspicious sender email addresses.
• Make sure that all of your devices, apps, browsers, and antivirus software are up-to-date.
• Think twice before clicking links or opening attachments.
• Protect your passwords and use different passwords for your work, school, and personal accounts.
• When visiting campus, do not leave your personal belongings unattended. 
• Enable your lock-screen and find-my-phone where available.
• Delete sensitive information if you no longer require it.
• See something, say something. Report suspicious activity or suspected scams.

Please contact Richard Phung, Information Security Analyst, [email protected] or the Service Desk for more information or assistance.