Protect yourself against the latest cybersecurity threats

Oct. 7, 2024
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As AI assists scammers in composing phishing emails with fewer errors, the campus community must continue to be vigilant to protect themselves from the latest cyber threats, the Information Security Office says

October marks National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a critical time to bolster digital defenses against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. The University of Arizona’s Information Security Office (ISO) is leading efforts to enhance campus-wide cybersecurity with tools, resources, and regular security awareness training.

“We require ongoing training to help recognize phishing attempts and adopt safe online practices,” said Tim Schwab, Chief Information Security Officer. Phishing remains the primary tactic for cybercriminals, but advances in artificial intelligence have made these attacks more convincing, often eliminating errors that once served as red flags.

"Phishing emails are evolving rapidly, and it's crucial to pause and verify URLs before clicking," Schwab added. Teresa Banks, Information Security and Compliance Programs Manager, emphasized that AI-generated phishing emails pose a new challenge, urging users to stay alert. Credential harvesting—where users unknowingly submit login details to scammers—continues to be a major threat.

The ISO's multilayered security approach aims to protect valuable university resources, urging all users to remain vigilant and proactive. For the latest updates on phishing attempts, visit the Phishing Alerts webpage.

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