As the season changes, so does what's going on in the world of cybersecurity. Read below to "Bee Aware" of the latest scams and security updates to help you stay ahead of bad actors.
Banner scams
Banner is a student information system used to store administrative information. Financial aid, admissions, and student grades are examples of data types in this system.
While not happening at Yale, some institutions report scammers impersonating professors. They make it look like the information is coming from a professor's email account. In reality, scammers are sending phony Banner links. The links lead to a malicious website intended to look like Banner. The website stores login credentials for later use. Data collected can be used to create fraudulent accounts.
It is important to note that Yale has not seen any of this activity in our use of Banner. However, it is better to be safe than sorry. We advise you to Click with Caution if you receive any unexpected emails with links to Banner.
Post-disaster scams
Do you and your family know how to spot disaster relief scams?
In almost no time, scammers have seized on personal tragedy. The recent California wildfires and flooding in Kentucky exemplify their actions. People in stressful, vulnerable positions are often targeted.
There are many ways to identify their cunning traps. Check out this Federal Trade Commission article on how to steer clear of their tactics.
Yale's Application Security Program
Higher-ed research institutions are frequent targets of cybersecurity attacks. Web applications built in-house can contribute to the risk factors.
To address this issue, the Information Security Office has begun a multi-year response. Specifically, the Risk and Engineering team launched the Application Security Program. The goal is to improve cybersecurity for ITS software engineering through secure coding. The program is free and open to developers around the University. Learn more about the AppSec Program and its three-year plan.
Apple introduces Lockdown Mode
This fall, Apple will be introducing a way for individuals to better control their device's security. Lockdown Mode will release as part of iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura. The protection is intended for anyone facing “grave, targeted threats to their digital security.” Turning on Lockdown Mode would limit device features in order to remove vulnerabilities. This includes things like blocking calls from unrecognized numbers, disabling complex web technologies, and turning off link previews in messages. Read more about Lockdown Mode here.
Introducing the Bee Cyber Fit podcast
Confused about the latest cybercrime in the news? Overwhelmed by trying to figure out if a scam applies to you?
You’re not alone! Understanding how cyber events impact us is no easy task.
Introducing the Bee Cyber Fit podcast! Produced by the Yale Information Security Office, our goal is to simplify cybersecurity for everyone. Listen to the preview and sign up to receive notifications when new episodes are released.
Sign up by October 31 and be entered to win our exclusive Bee Cyber Fit prize pack including a Yeti water bottle!
Yale Information Security Office launches its Know Your Risk campaign
We all access data – both at home and on campus - but we don't always consider how well we're protecting it.
Do you ever think about what and how much data you have and share online? Do you know how to protect that data?
The Know Your Risk cybersecurity awareness campaign will help you be cyber fit and keep cybercriminals at bay. Learn about the risk level of your data so you can protect it at home and work.
Start exploring with the Know Your Risk toolkit.
Want to learn more? Join us for one of our upcoming events in September. Our first Kahoot! competition is Thursday, September 8 at 11:00 am. Join us and you just may win some exclusive cybersecurity awareness swag!