December is here again, and while we’re busy with holiday cheer, finals, and festivities, cybercriminals are busy upgrading their toolkits. As the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Chapman, my goal is to keep our community safe online throughout the season. Last year, we met Scammer Claus—the holiday trickster who lured victims with fake emails and festive scams. This year, Scammer Claus has
On Thanksgiving Eve, while the rest of Plymouth Rock Institute of Technology (PRIT) was bustling with students heading home and staff shutting down their offices, one employee lingered at their desk, catching up on emails. Among the usual clutter sat a message with the cheerful subject line: “Happy Thanksgiving!” It looked harmless enough, festive, even.
In today’s digital age, personal digital security is not just an individual responsibility but a collective one. At Chapman University, we understand that the security of our digital infrastructure is intrinsically linked to the security practices of each member of our community. When individuals protect their digital environments, they contribute to the overall security of
Cybercriminals are getting bolder, and few groups have gained as much notoriety as Scattered Spider. Known for their clever social engineering and relentless tactics, these hackers have been using email bombing (a flood of junk messages designed to overwhelm an inbox) as the first domino in a chain of attacks that ends with full control of a
As we usher in a new academic year at Chapman University, I want to take a moment to address our community about some of the key cybersecurity trends we’re closely monitoring—and the steps we’re taking to keep our campus secure. Understanding Today’s Threat Landscape Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and higher education institutions like ours
As we gear up for the fall semester, it’s essential to ensure that our digital practices are as prepared as our lesson plans. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and your vigilance plays a vital role in protecting Chapman University’s systems, data, and community. Key Cybersecurity Tips for Faculty & Staff Be Wary of Phishing Emails
What is AiTM Phishing? Adversary-in-the-Middle (AiTM) phishing is a sophisticated type of cyberattack where attackers intercept the communication between a user and a legitimate website. This allows them to steal sensitive information like passwords and session cookies, even if the user has enabled multifactor authentication (MFA). How Does It Work? In an AiTM attack, the attacker sets
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
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: Stay Informed and Educated Cyber threats evolve constantly. Read Chapman InfoSec’s blog
Social engineering is the art of manipulating human psychology to gain unauthorized access to buildings, systems, or data. Instead of relying on technical hacks, social engineers exploit universal human qualities like curiosity, trust, and politeness. For instance, they might pose as IT support personnel over the phone to trick employees into revealing their passwords. Let’s