With identity theft, data breaches, and “hacktivist” activities constantly in the news, learn what the UW is doing to combat these threats in the 2012 Information Security and Privacy Annual Report from the Office of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). The report highlights CISO’s efforts to raise awareness about safeguarding the UW’s information assets. It also provides information and tips on data loss, portable storage media, and the black market value of UW NetIDs, and privacy issues surrounding use of social media and geolocation services.

Learn about phishing scams and how to avoid being enticed by email fraud into clicking links and revealing your personal information in a short, entertaining online video, “Phishing at the UW.” Cybercriminals use the login credentials they trick you into providing to access your financial assets or intellectual property, so learn what you can do to be vigilant and avoid taking the bait. Find other useful security-related online training and information from the UW Office of the CISO.

Ever find yourself entering your personal information on a fake Web site after receiving an email with a malicious link? Known as phishing, this devious practice alludes to setting out bait in hopes you will click that link and reveal your password or confidential financial information that is then stolen. Learn more at a seminar on Phishing and the UW hosted by the UW Office of the Chief Information Security Officer on May 9, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the UW Tower Auditorium.

Get short, easy-to-access, online information security and privacy training from the UW Office of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Passwords and Passphrases provides guidelines and best practices on creating strong passwords, geared for audiences at both UW and Seattle Children’s. Best practices for handling UW records that contain Social Security Numbers are detailed in SSN Use at the UW, developed with the UW Office of the Registrar. Access the training.

Join the UW Office of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for Information Security and Privacy Seminar roundtable discussions on February 16 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the UW Tower Auditorium. This event for UW faculty, staff, and researchers (rescheduled from January 26 due to the snow) starts with a 30-minute presentation on data privacy, followed by discussions, including one on mobile device security. RSVP by February 9 to malbin@uw.edu.

To mark the national effort in October to increase awareness and prevention of online security problems, the UW is providing tips and resources on how you can safeguard information. Visit the Office of the CISO Web site, and look at the Risk Advisories and Best Practices and Smart Computing pages for more information. Bookmark the CISO Newsletter to stay informed about security and privacy-related events, developments, and guidelines at UW.

Bring your lunch and questions about information security, privacy, and data management at UW to a brown bag on October 10, noon to 1:00 p.m., in the UW Tower 4^th Floor Visitors Dining Room. Kirk Bailey, UW Chief Information Security Officer, and Todd Mildon, Associate Vice Provost, Institutional Research and Data Management, will facilitate the discussion. Space is limited, so RSVP by noon, October 5 (and submit questions) to malbin@uw.edu.  

Is the equipment you use, whether owned by the UW or a grant, insured? Learn about the UW Office of Risk Management’s Equipment Insurance program on March 29. Sign up for this brown bag presentation from noon to 1:00 p.m. in Gerberding 142 at UW Seattle.

Did you know you could register your laptop and electronics with UW Police to help recover them if they are stolen? It only takes a few minutes to use the online Electronic Equipment Registration for personally owned equipment. You can also register your bicycle. Read The Daily for more holiday safety tips.

Are you working remotely during the UW/UCLA game? If so, be mindful of information security and privacy risks associated with remote access. See the Working Remotely Risk Advisory with helpful tips for accessing UW information and systems anytime, prepared by the Office of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).

Should you act on email claiming that your account has expired, so "click here" to update? No. The UW doesn’t ask for password updates via email. That’s handled in person or by phone. Scam artists prey on your fear to get you to act quickly, without thinking, to can gain access to your account. No contact name and phone number? Another red flag. Bottom line: Don’t reply; don’t click. See Safe and Secure Computing for related tips.

UW units using UW-IT’s managed desktop model (Nebula) are taking advantage of new on-demand user support pricing to help manage their IT support costs. This centrally managed service includes basic account management and helpdesk support, a standard software suite, security patching and anti-virus, file space and backup, and power management for Windows, with a Macintosh option available. UW academic and administrative units may subscribe to this managed desktop service. See details online.

UW students, faculty, and staff can use the UW’s centrally licensed anti-virus/anti-malware software from Sophos on office and home computers and laptops at no cost. Get it from the UWare site today to help keep your computers secure.

Information security and privacy initiatives, risks, and policies will be presented at a seminar hosted by the Office of the Chief Information Security Officer on Friday, April 2, from 9:00 a.m to 11:00 a.m. in the UW Tower Auditorium. Get a brief overview on the Social Security numbers data security project, technology controls for research projects, data management processes, and data security contract language. Hear presentations on the state of information security at the UW and the recently developed UW privacy policy, Web site terms and conditions of use, and online privacy statement.

Is the UW equipment you use insured? On March 24, the Office of Risk Management staff will present the basics about the Equipment Insurance campus-wide online program at a brown bag in Gerberding 142 at UW Seattle from noon to 1:00 p.m. Optional, low-cost coverage is available for computer, office, audio-visual, and scientific/lab equipment.

All UW students, faculty, and staff using UW-licensed McAfee anti-virus software need to replace it before March 31 (when the UW license expires). Check with your support staff if your UW computer is centrally managed. Install Sophos, the new UW-licensed anti-virus software, at no charge and it removes McAfee.

Your department can protect its computer, office, audio-visual, and scientific or lab equipment through the UW's Equipment Insurance Program. This low-cost property insurance covers damage from fire, flood, lightning, earthquake, theft, and more. See the list of eligible equipment or to do your annual renewal online.

Did you know you can register your personal electronic equipment such as a laptop or iPod online with UW Police? Recording the brand, serial and model numbers, and other details is vital to recovering your laptop or other electronic equipment if it's stolen. It only takes a few minutes.

All UW students, faculty, and staff are eligible to use the UW’s new centrally licensed anti-virus/anti-malware software from Sophos on their office and home computers at no cost. Start the quarter off right! This new software is available now from the UWare site. Get it today to help secure your computers.