Preparing Cybersecurity-Wise: A Guide for University Staff and Faculty

As we gear up for the new academic year, it’s crucial for the Chapman community to prioritize cybersecurity. As the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), I understand the unique challenges faced by educational institutions. Let’s explore practical steps to enhance our digital defenses: 

1. Stay Informed and Educated
   • Cyber threats evolve constantly. Read Chapman InfoSec’s blog posts and attend training sessions to stay up to date. Familiarize yourself with the latest attack vectors, phishing techniques, and security best practices. Knowledge is our strongest armor. 
2. Secure Your Devices
   • Laptops and Desktops: Ensure that your work devices are encrypted and protected by strong passwords. Regularly update your operating system and applications. 
   • Mobile Devices: Apply security measures to your smartphones and tablets. Enable biometric authentication (fingerprint or face recognition). 
3. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
   • 2FA is required for all your Chapman accounts—university email, learning management systems, and administrative portals. 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of authentication.
4. Data Protection
   • Sensitive Information: Handle student and employee data with care. Encrypt files containing personal information and limit access to authorized personnel. 
   • Cloud Storage: Use university-approved cloud services for file storage (OneDrive and SharePoint). Regularly back up critical data. 
5. Phishing Awareness
   • Be vigilant about phishing emails. Verify sender addresses, avoid clicking suspicious links, and report any phishing attempts promptly to abuse@chapman.edu. Cybercriminals often target educational institutions. 
6. Secure Your Home Office
   • Many of us work remotely. Secure your home network by changing default router passwords.
7. Safe File Sharing
   • Use university-approved platforms for sharing files (OneDrive and SharePoint). Avoid public file-sharing services. Encrypt sensitive files before sharing. 
8. Teach and Advocate
   • Educate your colleagues and students about cybersecurity. Encourage them to follow best practices. A collective effort strengthens our defenses. 

Remember, cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility. By adopting these practices, we contribute to a safer digital environment for our Chapman community. Let’s start the academic year on a secure note!

Stay safe, stay vigilant! 

Keith Barros 

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)