"Information Security" Archive

Information Security: Protect yourself during election season

A message from Vice President for Information Technology & CIO Mur Muchane:

Dear Wake Forest community,

With early voting currently taking place in Forsyth County and the national election right around the corner, there may be a spike in attempts to disrupt our community and fan the flames of discord. According to national law enforcement officials, these attempts are most likely to occur through electronic means. Email messages sent to individuals and groups are the most difficult to guard against.

Our systems work to filter emails containing viruses and malware, but the threat landscape is constantly evolving. Be cautious when opening attachments or links sent to you by email. In particular, ensure the email has been sent from an address you recognize.

Please review the Security Essentials page of the Information Systems website to protect your data, your account and your identity. In addition, zoom bombings remain a risk on college campuses. Be sure to follow the privacy and security practices for teleconferencing to secure your online meetings.

While our information security systems help protect us from those attempting to harm us through technical means, our systems do not filter emails for content. Should you receive an email with threatening or offensive language, please follow the steps outlined in the policy for targeted biased, intimidating or harassing communications.

As we work together to protect ourselves and our community, I will remind you of the many sources of emotional support available to us, including the University Counseling Center (336.758.5273), the Chaplain’s Office (336.758.5210) and the Employee Assistance Program (336.716.5493).

If you have questions concerning this message or need assistance, please contact Information Security at infosec@wfu.edu.

Thank you for your heightened vigilance.

Internet vulnerability 'Heartbleed:' What you need to know

laptop.300x175A message from Wake Forest University Information Systems

You may have heard of a recently discovered security issue called Heartbleed. The Heartbleed vulnerability has been a major topic in the news and many questions are being asked.

What is Heartbleed?
Heartbleed is a worldwide Internet issue. This vulnerability affects OpenSSL, a technology that Internet websites use to secure information.

How has Wake Forest addressed this issue?
Since April 8, 2014, Wake Forest University Information Systems has assessed the University network to determine what computing services may be impacted by Heartbleed. Patches have been applied as needed. The Information Systems teams continue to monitor for any additional information that may be provided from experts and are continuing to monitor our websites.

How does this impact me?
The potential impact of this vulnerability is widespread. If you have concerns regarding your personal website account passwords, we recommend that you look for information on the individual organization’s website or contact their customer service directly.

More information is available on Mashable, “The Heartbleed Hit List: The Passwords You Need to Change Right Now.”

What will I have to do?
Wake Forest University Information Systems will contact you if any further actions are required to safeguard your Wake Forest user account.

Visit the new info security site, register to win a hard drive

Sec_rity is not complete without U.

Visit the newly designed Information Security website at infosec.wfu.edu to read about safe and secure computing at Wake Forest. Each of us, as members of the University community, has personal responsibility for protecting information and adhering to regulations and compliance standards. The updated site has all the information you need to make sound, educated decisions regarding information security.

As a member of the Wake Forest community, you will have the opportunity to win a Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex 500GB external hard drive when you visit the Information Security website. The contest ends Friday, April 12.

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