Cybersecurity at Chapman University is a collective effort to safeguard our community’s digital landscape. As your Chief Information Security Officer, I invite each one of you—students, faculty, and staff alike—to join hands with IS&T’s InfoSec team in this critical mission.

Together, let’s explore the compelling reasons why cybersecurity is not just a professional mandate but a personal commitment.

  1. Protecting Personal Data: Cyber threats can compromise sensitive information such as personal identification, financial records, and academic data. Your digital identity and financial well-being are paramount. We can safeguard our data by following best practices like using strong passwords and not reusing passwords, avoiding suspicious emails, using MFA/2FA, and keeping software up to date.
  2. Preserving Institutional Reputation: Chapman University’s honor is in our hands. A breach not only affects data but also our collective trust. A security breach could tarnish the reputation of Chapman University. Whether it’s a data leak, a ransomware attack, or a compromised website, the impact can be far-reaching. As responsible members of the university community, we must prioritize security to maintain trust and credibility. Let’s be the guardians of Chapman’s legacy.
  3. Supporting Academic and Research Integrity: Cybersecurity is essential for maintaining the integrity of academic research, scholarly publications, and intellectual property. By adhering to secure practices, we ensure that our work remains untainted by cyber threats.
  4. Preventing Disruptions: A resilient Chapman is one free of cyber interruptions. Cyberattacks can disrupt university operations, affecting everything from online classes to administrative processes. Staying vigilant and reporting suspicious activities to abuse@chapman.edu is crucial in maintaining a resilient and secure campus environment.

Remember, cybersecurity is not a one-time task; it’s an ongoing commitment. Let’s all play our part in keeping Chapman safe and secure.

 

Stay safe, stay vigilant!

Keith Barros

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)