[Important Information for Employees] Cybersecurity/email scams Spring 2021 Update

[Holly Heller-Ross]

Cyber-security is everyone's job

To all students, faculty, and staff:



Continuing cyber-attacks on heakth-care, educational institutions, and
individuals underscore the challenges our campus community faces with
regard to information security.  With more remote studies and employment,
it can be easier for scammers to try something new, since so much has
changed.

It remains critical that all students, staff, and faculty develop the
skills needed to keep personal information and the college's data safe from
threats.


Here are 10 important cyber-security reminders:

1.  Protect yourself against email phishing scams. Phishing is the
fraudulent practice of sending emails purporting to be from reputable
companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information,
such as passwords and credit card numbers. Be suspicious of unknown
senders, and never click links or download any attachments in suspicious
email.

2.  Think BEFORE you click. Malicious links can do serious damage, so take
time to ensure they’re from trusted sources before clicking them in emails,
web pages, or pop-ups on your devices.

3.  Stick to your own devices. Avoid using the devices of others. Never
share your credentials, and never give anyone remote access to your
computer.

4.  Be aware of your device AND your surroundings. Keep an eye on your
device. Lock it when you step away. Never leave sensitive items unattended
(e.g., notes with your password written on them or USB drives).

5.  Keep track of your digital footprint. When you monitor your accounts,
you can ensure you catch suspicious activity.

6.  Keep up with updates. Software patches are often issued when security
flaws are discovered.

7.  Connect securely. Weigh the consequences before connecting to an
unsecured connection. Never connect to them when handling college or other
sensitive information.

8.  Secure your mobile device. Use strong passwords and biometric features.
Turn off Bluetooth. Don’t automatically connect to any public Wi-Fi.
Download with caution.

9.  Beware Social Engineering. This attack is a non-technical strategy used
by cyber criminals. It relies heavily on human interaction and often
involves tricking people into breaking standard security practices. With
all of the public information available online and over social media, cyber
criminals are able to come up with very creative ways to fool users.

10.  Backup your data. Use a physical location or the cloud so that you
have an ultimate recovery tool.


DON'T EVER ENTER YOUR CAMPUS PASSWORD ON A FORM THAT YOU RECEIVE THROUGH
EMAIL!

Have a cyber-security concern or question? Contact the LITS Helpdesk (t.
518-564-4433 / email: helpdesk at plattsburgh.edu).

Finally, please be aware of this recent sample scam and note that a
legitimate campus employment offer can always be verified through the
Career Development Center Job Postings
https://www.plattsburgh.edu/plattslife/careers/career-toolkit.html

Hi

I am emailing you concerning a employment offer through the

University’s recruiting department. offering a part time position that

will only require 1-2hrs 3 days a week, no work experience or skill is

required. You can definitely make $350 weekly without affecting any

other job you are doing, Kindly get back with your information below

if you are interested

To Apply, Get back to us with the information listed below so we can

process your application as to consider it valid to commence working

with us.

NAME

CONTACT ADDRESS (NOT PO BOX)

MOBILE:

SEX:

AGE:

ALTERNATIVE EMAIL:

Thank You


HOLLY HELLER-ROSS '84,
MLS
(She, Her, Hers, Herself)
Dean and CIO, Library and Information Technology Services
0211 Feinberg Library
101 Broad Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
(o) 518-564-5180 <+1-518-564-5180>
(f) 518-564-5100
plattsburgh.edu <https://www.plattsburgh.edu/>
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<https://www.instagram.com/sunyplattsburgh/> [image: Snapchat Logo]
<https://www.snapchat.com/add/sunyplattsburgh> [image: LinkedIn Logo]
<https://www.linkedin.com/school/suny-plattsburgh/>

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