Digital Security Overview

Digital Security Is Everyone’s Responsibility

Being a Sycamore means looking out for one another, and that includes our digital spaces. Every member of our campus community plays a role in protecting personal and university data. By staying alert and informed, you help keep our digital environment safe for yourself and those around you.

Remember, protecting our campus starts with each of us. Together, we can outsmart cyber threats and foster a safe, welcoming environment for all Sycamores. If you ever have questions or concerns, your Help Desk is a call away!

Understanding Social Engineering

Social engineering refers to tactics that scammers use to manipulate people into giving up confidential information or access. Rather than hacking computers, they try to "hack" your trust. Here is what you need to know:

• Phishing: You might receive emails or messages that look official but ask you to click a link, open an attachment, or share personal information. Always check the sender and think twice before responding.
• Impersonation: Sometimes, scammers pretend to be someone you know—like a professor, university staff, or even a fellow student—to get you to share information or send money.
• Urgency and Fear: Many scams use pressure tactics, telling you there is an emergency or that you will face trouble if you do not act quickly. Take a moment to pause and verify before taking any action

How You Can Stay Cyber Safe

Risk mitigation is about making smart choices and forming good habits:

• Use multifactor authentication (Microsoft Authenticator) and never share your code.
• Use strong passwords and never share them with anyone.
• Question unexpected requests for sensitive information—even if they seem to come from someone you know.
• Be cautious with links and attachments in emails and messages—when in doubt, do not click.
• Keep your devices updated to protect against the latest threats.
• Use the “Report” button in your email to notify your security team.
• Notify the Help Desk if you suspect your account has been compromised.

Additional Information

For more information, consider one of the following articles:

• Security Awareness: General Best Practices for Security
• How to Report Phishing or Spam Emails