Meet the new CISO, David Sherry, and Your ISG
David Sherry joined CIS's team of senior directors this summer as Brown’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). As the CISO, David will have university-wide responsibility and authority regarding matters of information security. He will head a four member security team, charged with the development and maintenance of Brown’s information technology security strategy, IT policies and best practices, security training and awareness programs, as well as ongoing risk assessment and compliance tasks. « more...»
Become Cyber Secure 
this October!
Phishing lures, online scam artists, laptop snatches, "drive-by" attacks on unsecured wireless. It can get pretty scary if you're navigating the Internet world without a safety net.
No need to feel like you're out there on a tightrope alone. In celebration of National Cyber Security Awareness Month in October, the Information Security Group (ISG) has planned several opportunities to equip you with the knowledge and common sense to keep you, your computing and your identity safe. « more... »
Laptop Disappearing Act
The crime scene is a familiar one: an empty spot on a desk where a computer used to reside, abandoned cables, no marks of forced entry (door had been left unlocked).
Chances for recovery are slim since there's no record of the laptop's serial number, nor did it have an engraving mark or tracking software installed. And to compound the situation, the victim lost on an extensive research paper which hadn't been backed up. « more...»
If it smells phishy...
..then it probably is. A little trite but true, however developing a nose for "phishiness" can save you a major headache.
The good/bad news is, this is a skill you'll have plenty of chances to develop because phishing is not going away. In fact, it's on the rise as phishing scams have become big business. « more... »
Protecting Brown Information in the Classroom and Online
Over 1,100 individuals have taken the "Protecting Brown Information" class to learn what constitutes “Brown Confidential Information”; where, when and how it's at risk; and what need to be done to mitigate that risk. Are you one of them?
Classes are held the third Wednesday of each month (sign up at the Training.brown.edu site) and also also available online for those unable to attend in person. For access to the online class, send your request to itsecurity@brown.edu.
Ten Ways to Protect Your Identity on Campus
The September issue of the SANS Institute's security newsletter OUCH! carried the following ten safety tips. They reinforce as well as nicely summarize the other messages in this edition of Secure IT!
Lock your door. This is the single most important way to keep your
computer secure.
Mark your property in a very visible, permanent way. Just as would-be thieves are often deterred by homes bearing "Protected by ... " signs, so is a computer thief more likely to go for an unmarked laptop. « more... »