Given the current infodemic related to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is harder than ever to get your important university information through to the people who need it. People are rightfully suspicious of unsolicited email, but that can sometimes cause them to ignore or delete your important, legitimate communications. Focus on helping recipients verify the legitimacy of your U-M… Read More »
To better help you secure your unit networks, ITS Information Assurance (IA) is increasing the frequency of its universitywide scans and adding internal network scanning. As of May, universitywide vulnerability scans are now performed monthly instead of quarterly. The monthly scans will be similar to previous quarterly scans. The software begins by performing a TCP and UDP probe… Read More »
To find out why people adopt and then sometimes abandon online safety measures, researchers from the School of Information surveyed more than 900 people about their use of 30 commonly recommended practices to guard against security, privacy, and identity theft risks. The team found that security practices like avoiding clicking on unknown links or emails were much more… Read More »
On any given day in Kevin Fu’s laboratory at the College of Engineering research investigators might use an antenna to fool the lab’s sensor into giving a false temperature readings or a laser light beam to inject false voice commands in a voice-controlled assistant from a distance of 300 feet. Unlike many cybersecurity troubleshooters, Fu is not looking… Read More »
ITS Information Assurance has rapidly developed a number of new Safe Computing resources to help you practice and promote good IT security and privacy practices in this new normal: New on Safe Computing and in IT Security at U-M. New resources covering videoconferencing security and privacy, coronavirus scams, how to prevent Zoombombing, new videos, new entries in the… Read More »
Check out this new IT Security Tips for When You Work from Home video from ITS Information Assurance. It covers securing your devices and connections, protecting your privacy, and watching out for phishing, scams, and fraud. Please share it with others who may find it helpful. For more details and links to resources for working securely from home,… Read More »
Watch for tax fraud during extended tax season With tax filing deadlines extended from April 15 to July 15, the risk of tax fraud is extended as well. Be alert for fraudulent phone calls and emails from scammers pretending to represent the IRS. See Safe Computing: Beware of Tax Fraud for examples and more information. Watch for scams… Read More »
When you share files or folders from Google Drive or Box, you can control the level of permissions granted to others. The U-M Collaboration Services team recommends using caution when you choose permissions for your files and folders to ensure the privacy and security of university data. This is especially true when collaborating with people outside of U-M.… Read More »
You have probably had a crash course on the basics of videoconferencing over the past few weeks. Follow the IT security and privacy best practices in this new Tips for Safe Videoconferencing video from ITS Information Assurance to make security and privacy part of your videoconferencing routine. And please share it with others who might find it helpful.… Read More »
Scammers are taking advantage of the fear and uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 coronavirus. Some of the most common scams include: Fraudulent cure and treatment offers Fake charities Misinformation from scammers posing as experts Phishing Tracking maps that trick you into downloading malware See Coronavirus Scams on Safe Computing for more details. ITS Information Assurance is keeping the page… Read More »
It is vital that you report actual or suspected IT security incidents as soon as possible so that work can begin to investigate and resolve them. This applies even when you are working from home. A new ITS Information Assurance (IA) video tells you where to report them ([email protected]), and describes how IA responds. For more detail about… Read More »
9/11 changed everything for U-M computer engineering alum Kurt Rohloff. Having grown up in the metro New York City, 9/11 felt especially close to home. It set him on a path to a career in security and U.S. defense. “I got really interested in the areas of data science, analytics, privacy and how one could use privacy technology… Read More »
Across the world, working from home has become a necessity. When you are working from home, follow IT security best practices to protect yourself and U-M: Secure your computer, smartphone, and other devices. Secure your connections to protect data you send and receive. Beware of phishing, scams, fraud, and other tricks and traps. Protect sensitive U-M data by… Read More »
A newly announced Google Faculty Research award will fund a research project on developing better phishing warnings co-led by School of Information assistant professor Florian Schaub. Phishing attacks trick victims into clicking malicious email links to get them to disclose sensitive information such as personal data and passwords, or install malware. Building on prior work, Schaub says this project… Read More »
It might seem pretty safe to add an app that promises to help take control of your health. But doctors who appreciate the research potential of incorporating big data into medical care are also warning about the need to manage the risk of exposing such health data while it’s still possible to do so. “Some health data shared… Read More »
U-M faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to use computers and devices that are managed by a central U-M IT service provider, but in some circumstances, faculty and staff may need to self-manage a UM-owned device: Computers and other devices purchased with research grant funds to meet very specific research needs. Developers needing specific operating systems or software… Read More »
Do your part to support online civility and practice and promote good digital citizenship. Be responsible and respectful in self expression, and expect respect from those you interact with. Help care for digital resources by encouraging good security practices. Respect others’ privacy, and take steps to protect your own privacy by staying aware of what you share online.… Read More »
How can you help people in your unit become aware of their basic data protection responsibilities? Encourage them to take this new, university-focused online course from ITS Information Assurance: DCE101 U-M Data Protection and Responsible Use (in My LINC). The completely new course provides practical guidance and best practices. It replaces what used to be called “DCE101: Access… Read More »
Faculty, staff, and students gathered for a half-day of privacy related speakers and panels at Privacy@Michigan January 28 at the Rackham Building on the UM-Ann Arbor campus. Privacy@Michigan is an annual event hosted by ITS Information Assurance and the U-M School of Information in recognition of Data Privacy Day. If you missed it, you can watch the recordings… Read More »
Wallace House presents Recode’s Kara Swisher interviewing Alex Stamos live on stage at U-M’s Hill Auditorium, March 18, at 6:30 p.m. This event is co-sponsored by ITS, the Dissonance Event Series, and others. Huge tech companies have changed the way we live. Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Apple have built unprecedented reach into our pocketbooks, privacy, individual liberties, and… Read More »