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Privacy Is Dead, Now Where’s My Inheritance

Originally featured in OIT’s Spring 2018 Security Report

Privacy is Dead

It’s probably not the first time you’ve heard this. A private investigator, Sam Rambam was quoted as saying “Privacy is Dead – Get Over it” in 2006. In 2012, Huffing Post contributor Miles Feldman posed the question “Is Privacy Dead?” If it is, then our inheritance may have been in probate for years without us knowing it. The most recent major violation of privacy comes through a Facebook developer, Cambridge Analytica (discussed later in this newsletter), who collected data on millions of Americans without their consent to help political strategists win the 2016 US Presidential Election. But most likely this is only the tip of the iceberg. Continue reading Privacy Is Dead, Now Where’s My Inheritance

Protecting Campus from Malware with Machine Learning

Cylance CylancePROTECT was introduced to the SMU campus in 2016 as a way to further secure SMU systems against viruses and malware. As the University became regularly inundated with malicious files, employees could not be expected to keep up with the volume and complexity of these new threats. As the threats evolved, so did our method of protection – machine learning. Continue reading Protecting Campus from Malware with Machine Learning

Tech Tip: Using SMU’s Password Reset Tool

To ensure security of SMU’s data holdings, SMU account passwords must be changed every 180 days. For years, we have offered the online password reset tool at pwreset.smu.edu to make password changes easier while also assisting with lost passwords.

There have been a few changes to the reset tool in recent months, so we have updated our introductory video to show you how easy it can be to manage your account password in one place.

Phishing Alert: Protect Yourself!

In the past two days, two widespread phishing e-mails have been arriving in mailboxes across campus. Make sure to protect yourself and your data and NEVER open any links or attachments in these emails! Below are examples of the reported phishing messages:

If you received either of these messages, delete them immediately! If you clicked on any of the links or attachments within the messages, reset your password immediately and call the IT Help Desk at 214-768-4357.

Do You Know How to Spot A Phish?

Phishing is a method of identity theft which requests confidential information such as usernames, account numbers, passwords, etc. by masquerading as a legitimate, trusted company. This term typically refers to attempts through email. However, this same type of attack can occur in person (social engineering) or over the phone (farming).

Phishing emails have become very sophisticated. It used to be that they were so poorly written that you could just rely on really bad grammar or spelling errors to determine their legitimacy. That is no longer the case. The emails can appear to come from trusted addresses and cleverly designed with graphics, disclaimers, etc. So how can you determine if an email is legitimate?

Continue reading Do You Know How to Spot A Phish?