Case in Point: Lessons for the proactive manager

Volume 16 Number 10 | October 2024

As the leaves turn and the nights grow longer, the season of spooks and specters is upon us. But for institutions of higher education, the real scary story lurks in the shadows of our digital landscapes. The phantom of data breaches and cyberattacks (as regularly reported in this newsletter) is a chilling reminder that the horrors of data security are all too real.

Imagine this: a quiet campus, bustling with students and faculty, suddenly thrown into chaos as a malicious entity breaches the university's defenses. Sensitive information, from student records to research data, is exposed to the world. The aftermath is a nightmare of lost trust, financial damage, and a tarnished reputation.

This isn't a tale from a Stephen King novel; it's a reality that most institutions have faced. The villains? Ransomware, phishing scams, and other cyber threats that prey on the unsuspecting. The victims? Universities and their faculty, staff, and administrators who must navigate the treacherous waters of data security.

But fear not, for there are ways to ward off these digital demons. Here's how we can all be proactive in avoiding ghastly consequences:

1. Stay Vigilant: Just as you wouldn't leave your front door unlocked, don’t leave your digital doors open. Regularly update passwords and use multi-factor authentication to keep intruders at bay. Employ a secure password manager to allow you to have different passwords for each account. If you use the same password for multiple accounts, you increase your risk if the password is breached.

2. Educate yourself: Knowledge is power. Complete regularly assigned cybersecurity training sessions to ensure you are aware of the latest threats and how to avoid them.

3. Patch and Update: Outdated software is like candy to cybercriminals – and they are full of tricks. Keep all systems and applications up to date with the latest security patches.

4. Report suspected phishing emails: If you suspect an email is phishing for your personal information, it is important to report it to the cybersecurity team quickly. If you got a hair-raising email, others at the institution may have also gotten the same email. The cybersecurity team can help protect the less astute.

5. Promote a Culture of Security: Encourage your peers to take data security seriously. A culture of security awareness can help prevent many potential threats.

As we end Cybersecurity Awareness Month, let's remember that the terrors of data security are not just the stuff of frightful fantasies. By being diligent and proactive, we can all help protect the university from the disruptors of the digital world and ensure a safe and secure environment for all.