New IT measures to help keep you cyber safe

Augusta University’s information security team is launching two changes to help ensure the security of patient, student and employee data.

“These additional tools will enhance email security and offer direct support for any cybersecurity issue you might run into,” said Tony Buenger, AVP, Cyber Security Solutions and chief information security officer. “Maintaining cybersecurity falls to everyone, and using these new tools is critical for helping AU keep our systems and data safe.”

New external email alert banners

You will soon notice changes to the banner warnings on external emails. Currently, emails from an external sender are marked with [EXTERNAL] in front of the subject line. Now there will be two banners, one a caution that the message originated outside of the AU email system and the other a warning that the sender cannot be verified. Both will now include guidance and instructions for what to do.

New cybersecurity hotline

Information security is launching a new cybersecurity hotline that the entire enterprise can call at any time for direct support related to cybersecurity.

The number for the 24/7/365 Cybersecurity Hotline is 706-721-SAFE or 706-721-7233.

Immediately call 1-SAFE if you are experiencing abnormal activity on a device (cell phones, desktops, tablets and laptops), or if your device has been lost or stolen.

Use the hotline to alert the cybersecurity team of any abnormal or suspicious activity that has occurred or is occurring on your workstation, laptop or cell phone. This includes reporting a lost or stolen device, such as a workstation, laptop, tablet, AU-provided cell phone or personal cell phone.

The cybersecurity hotline does not replace the need for STOPSPAM@augusta.edu, and the security team asks that you continue to forward any suspicious emails to STOPSPAM.

Where to contact:

STOPSPAM@augusta.edu:

• Receipt of known or suspected spam
• Receipt of any email that does not look legitimate

1-SAFE:

• Phishing Attempt
  • An unsolicited email that specifically requests you to enter or provide sensitive data
• Workstation Compromise
  • Click on a suspicious attachment that causes abnormal activity such as computer slowing down or locked up due to Ransomware
  • Click on a malicious link in an email and provide your AU network ID and password
• Account Compromise
  • Suspect an unauthorized user has gained access to your netid/password
  • Gave your network credentials to an unauthorized user unsuspectingly
• Lost or Stolen Device
  • Lost your AU-provided device (laptop, cell phone, tablet) or personal device (tablet, cell phone) that may have AU data on it
  • Report any lost or stolen device to Public Safety to fill out a police report

If you have any questions or would like some more information, contact Tony Buenger by email or phone (706-721-6764).