It’s the start of a new semester, and there is no better time for you to get familiar with the invaluable resources offered by Texas State’s Information Security Office (ISO). Take a moment to explore these tools and contribute to the collective effort of maintaining a cybersecure university. Safeguarding our digital environment is every Bobcat’s responsibility, and the ISO is here to empower you with a range of resources offering expert guidance on enhancing Texas State’s cybersecurity.
ISO Phishing Guide
So, what exactly is phishing? Put simply, phishing is the practice of sending fraudulent messages for the purpose of tricking potential victims into providing personal or confidential information that can then be used illicitly.
Bad actors, or scammers, often use email or text messages to obtain their target’s passwords, account numbers, or other personal information. Phishing attacks are a common occurrence, and we must be diligent about safety practices.
Review the ISO’s Phishing Guide to learn more about phishing and how to protect yourself from it. The guide provides information on the primary social engineering methods and how to report them at Texas State University.
Information Security Glossary
Knowledge is power, and that’s why the ISO created the Information Security Glossary. For those unfamiliar with the world of cybersecurity, the terminology can be daunting and confusing. The Information Security Glossary is a searchable and filterable glossary of terms and definitions the ISO uses in all aspects of its work. The glossary will help you to better understand information security in general and at Texas State.
Incident reporting
If you suspect you’ve received a malicious email, you must report it. There are two ways you can do this. You can either forward the message as an attachment to abuse@txstate.edu or use the built-in reporting tools in your email. It’s best to use the built-in reporting tools to inform ISO that you received a phishing message. If you’re unsure about the nature of a suspicious message, you should report it by forwarding it (as an attachment) to abuse@txstate.edu.
Learn more
Check out some of our past posts for essential cybersecurity tips and best practices:
- Return of the Scammers: Part One
- Return of the Scammers: Part Two
- Protecting your passwords
- You’ve got junk mail (and you can throw it out)!
Angela Smith is a marketing and promotions coordinator for IT Communications and Outreach.
