Information Security
Security News
Security News – learn more about Coronavirus (COVID-19) Cyber Scams.
Information Security Training
Information Security Training courses are now available. Complete the training form to enroll yourself or your department.
How can we help you?
- Report a possible phishing attempt
- I need to complete Security Awareness Training
- I need to reset or recertify my CNetID or password.
- I want to know how to use two-factor authentication.
- I need an SSL, code signing, or some other kind of security certificate.
- Report a possible compromise or other security incident
- I have a question about security for my application or have my application reviewed.
- My account was locked for spamming or due to some other security issue.
- I need access to phone records, emails, or other data for an investigation or personnel matter.
- I’m traveling and received an email asking that I contact the security team.
- My computer or phone was blocked from the network due to a virus detection.
- I want to send the security team a report about a security vulnerability or some other issue I discovered.
- A website I tried to visit is blocked and erroneously listed as suspicious. What do I do?
IT Policies
Refer to the University’s official IT policies regarding data security and use of copyrighted material.
Training and User Guides
Complete security training and get user guides for helpful security tips and advice.
Phishing Alerts
Listed below are the latest phishing scams that have been acted upon by Information Security. Think you’ve received a phishing email? Don’t click it, report it.
Email Scam (Oct 14, 2021): “DEIRDRE HARRINGTON (States Attorney) Shared A Confidential Document With You”
Date: Thu, 14 Oct 2021 15:12:15 +0000 Subject: DEIRDRE HARRINGTON (States Attorney) Shared A Confidential Document With You From: "DEIRDRE HARRINGTON (States Attorney)" <deirdre.harrington@cookcountyil.gov> Please review attached, Ensure that you have read the...
Email Scam (July 4, 2021): “Additional Claim”
From: Peters, Ariel M (HSC) <Ariel-Peters@ouhsc.edu> Sent: Sunday, July 04, 2021 4:02 PM Subject: Additional Claim IDES Process your additional $1400 weekly claim without delay, please provide accurate and complete information on your Unemployment Claim (Regular...
Email Scam (June 30, 2021): “Account Verification”
From: The University of Chicago <accesschael3@virginmedia.com> Sent: Wednesday, June 30, 2021 3:36 PM Subject: Account Verification Dear UChicago User, Your University of Chicago account is due for upgrade. Kindly upgrade immediately to avoid account suspension...
Security News
Check here for the latest security alerts that may affect you.
Protecting Yourself Against Ransomware Attacks
In week 1 of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we focused on educating you on the different types of phishing attacks we have seen and that many have reported receiving in the UChicago community. The most important element in a successful phishing attack is the human...
5 Ways to Outsmart a Social Engineer
“Social engineering” is a newer term for an age-old pursuit: tricking people. Whether you use the modern-day terminology or opt for longer-standing classifications (like conning, hustling, and swindling), the result is the same. Scammers aren’t afraid to tell lies—...
Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware attacks are one of the most serious cybersecurity threats we face at the University of Chicago. Ransomware is a type of malicious software that steals user data, disables the user system, and then demands payment from the victim in order to reenable system...
3 Steps to Fight Phishing
Chances are good that at some point you’ve received a suspicious email urging you to click on a link or open an attachment. This email was most likely an example of the cybercrime known as phishing. Phishing is when cybercriminals send malicious emails designed to...
3 Tips to Managing Passwords and PINs to Avoid Account Compromise
We have so much to remember every day. Add to that the dozens (or more) passwords and PINs we must remember in order to log in to work and personal accounts, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. And when we’re overwhelmed, it’s easy...
3 Facts About the Internet of Things (IoT) and Guide to Best Practices
It’s likely you own one or more items that are part of the Internet of Things (IoT). This collective term is used to describe a growing number of consumer, medical, and business items that are used to sense, control, and communicate data and activities. The IoT has...
3 Wi-Fi Habits to Adopt Today
Studies have shown that most mobile device users — even those who are security-savvy — tend to throw caution to the wind when it comes to connecting to open-access, public Wi-Fi networks. Public networks are displayed in the list of Wi-Fi networks without a lock icon....
Beware Coronavirus (COVID-19) Cyber Scams
We would like to warn everyone to remain vigilant for scams related to coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Cyber criminals may send phishing emails with malicious attachments or links to fraudulent websites to trick victims into revealing sensitive information or donating to...
Urgent? Are you available? Assistance needed immediately.
Have you received an email with this as a subject? Seemingly from your manager or department chair. Information Security wants to make you aware of an active, persistent scam that is targeting the University as well as many other institutions. These types of email...
Add a University Account Recovery Email and Phone Number
If you’re unable to log in with your CNetID and password to access University services, you can call IT Services for support during business hours. But what happens if you get locked out late at night and can’t reach ITS? Fortunately, you can set up a University...