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.
