IT Security
IT Security
RISD's IT Network Services is constantly working to keep our data and network secure. There are three ways we can work together to increase our security awareness: education, communication and 2FA Authetication.
Security Alert Communications
ITS will send a security alert message when:
A campus wide security threat has been detected.
A specific group of accounts has been leaked by an external source.
IT Security Tips for New Users
Best Practices: "Stay Safe Online"
The Internet is a powerful and useful tool, but in the same way that you should not drive without buckling your seat belt or ride a bike without a helmet, you shouldn't venture online without taking some basic precautions.
Protect Yourself with these STOP. THINK. CONNECT. Tips*:
- Keep a Clean Machine: Having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system is the best defense against viruses, malware, and other online threats.
- When in doubt, throw it out: Links in email, tweets, posts, and online advertising are often the way cybercriminals compromise your computer. If it looks suspicious, even if you know the source, it’s best to delete or if appropriate, mark as junk email.
- Protect all devices that connect to the Internet: Along with computers, smartphones, gaming systems, and other web-enabled devices also need protection from viruses and malware.
- Plug & scan: “USBs” and other external devices can be infected by viruses and malware. Use your security software to scan them.
There are many indications that an email may not be legitimate. When you receive a potential spam email we suggest checking the following areas before you reply:
- Check the Sender - The message may say the sender's name, but does the email address match? Always look at the complete email address and not just the display name of the email; if an email looks to represent a trusted company (e.g. Microsoft, Amazon, Netflix etc.), check the domain (e.g. gmail.com) and see if it actually is from one of those companies. See the example below:
From: RISD President Office <chiefexecutiveofficer.com00@gmail.com>Date: Wed, Sep 25, 2019 at 8:35 AMSubject: Urgency
- Check the Links - Do not click any links or attachments that may originate from a suspicious email, as they can send you to a malicious website that will install malware. Does the URL match the link that was provided? Some web browsers will display the full link address if you hover your cursor over a link. If not, try to copy the URL and paste it in the address of a new tab or window to view the full link address before visiting the site.
- Check the Content - What is the message? What is the Subject? Are there spelling errors or major grammatical errors? Are they asking for personal information like another method of contact or for your username and password? It is important to be suspicious when receiving any emails that ask for personal imformation or place urgency on a request to do something out of the ordinary like make a payment or buy gift cards.
Not sure? We encourage you to forward any suspicious emails to servicedesk@risd.edu for evaluation purposes.
Additional Training
Some roles will be required to complete additional training for their position. Your manager will work with you to gain access to required training.
Additional Resources
- Can you identify a potential phishing scam?
Test your knowledge by taking a short quiz on how to identify a potential phishing scam: https://phishingquiz.withgoogle.com/ Links to an external site. -
How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams
You may check the FTC government page for additional tips: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams Links to an external site. -
Identifying Online Threats and Internet SafetyView a webinar from our Information Security Analyst on Identifying Online Threats and Internet Safety Links to an external site..
To Do List
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- Complete Security Training