Due to current events, the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued a warning of increased cybersecurity threats. While we hope that Denison is not directly affected by any particular issue, we want to inform you of two forms of increased risk to the college and ask for your help:
First, we are concerned about phishing, malware, and ransomware campaigns. These are the most common forms of malicious email campaigns.
- Phishing: Tricking someone into revealing their username and password to gain access to our systems
- Malware: Delivering destructive software by email
- Ransomware: Using software that encrypts files on your computer or a network drive and requests a ransom payment to unlock them
Second, we are also concerned about a direct attack on Denison’s network, applications, or resources. Such an incident could take many forms. It could be either targeted or widespread and would have broad implications for Denison.
How You Can Help
We would like to ask everyone to do the following:
- Be vigilant. Be extremely watchful for suspicious emails or unusual behavior online, whether on your Denison computer or a personal device.
- If you see something, say something. Something doesn’t feel right about an email you received? Accidentally clicked on a suspicious link? Don’t wait. Call the ITS Service Desk promptly at 740-587-6395 to report any unusual online activity.
Also, if you have not done so, please complete your KnowBe4 cybersecurity training. Denison provides annual cybersecurity training for all employees to help you identify possible email-based threats, including phishing and malicious email attachments. If you haven’t completed your training, log in now at training.knowbe4.com and get started. The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) offers additional tips (here and here) for detecting fraudulent and dangerous emails and staying safe.
Thank you for your efforts to keep Denison, our community, and our shared systems safe.