Cyber Security Awareness

Identify theft is the fastest growing crime in America. Approximately 95 percent of all cyber security incidents investigated recognized “human error” as a contributing factor.

Common cyber threats include: malware, phishing, credential replay, and email account takeover. Here are some ways that you and your family can defend against these threats:

• Malware is malicious software that can damage or disable your computer. To defend against it, never click on suspicious links, open attachments in emails, or download programs from people you do not know.  
• Phishing is a way that cybercriminals pretend to be a friend or a trustworthy source in order to get personal information like passwords, social security numbers and credit card information. If a link looks suspicious, hover over it before clicking on it so you can see its true destination. Also, remember that secure websites start with https, not http.
• Credential replay is when cybercriminals get their hands on a person’s passwords and usernames (often re-used) and test them against bank and financial institutions’ websites to find matches so that they can commit fraud. To prevent this from happening to you, use a unique password for each of your online accounts. Make sure it is long and strong too!
• Email account takeover is when your email account is hacked by a cybercriminal who then searches emails between you and your bank, so they can pretend to be you and steal your money. To prevent this from happening, never act on email-based requests for sensitive information. Always use the phone to verify the identity of the person asking personal questions about your identification and account history.  

For more information or questions about cyber security, please speak with your supervisor, a member of the Campus Life Safety and Regulatory Compliance team, or contact CUIMC Information Technology at 212-305-HELP (4357), option 5.