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Category: securityhygiene

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Between all of your online accounts, whether personal or work accounts, you probably have many unique — and complex — passwords to manage.  And since you know better than to write them down in a notebook, have them on sticky notes hidden under your mouse pad, or stored digitally on your desktop, what are you supposed to do? 

Passwords are one of the most vulnerable cyber defenses used to protect our online accounts, as passwords are the only barrier between online accounts and cybercriminals who have a desire to access to our data and systems. Utilizing a password manager is a security best practice that cyber professionals are recommending for us.  

Along with other security tips, password managers minimize the risk of mis-managing our passwords. The question that arises here, are password managers secure, and what is our responsibility here to manage the password manager? 

What is a Password Manager?

A password manager is a software that allows users to generate passwords, store and manage accounts’ information including user names and passwords all in one location. Password managers offer other features such as complex password suggestions, identifying weak or repeated passwords used, and alerting its users from entering their credentials to suspicious websites. To create a password manager account, you need to set a password that is often referred to as the “master” password. 

Password managers are available in different formats: 

  • An online service hosted by a third party and accessed through a website portal. This type is useful if you need access to the password manager from multiple devices. 
  • Software installed locally on a workstation that can operate either completely offline or connected to the internet to synchronize your information to a cloud database and get software updates.  

Are Password Managers Secure? 

Password managers will offer users the security level they are looking for to their accounts’ credentials and information if they follow best practices to secure their password manager account.  Whether you use, or planning to get, an online, or an offline password manager, you need to follow the following practices: 

  • Do your research and get a trusted password manager software that has a high reputation in the industry. 
  • Use a strong master password for your password manager account and never forget it. Some password manager vendors would never retrieve your account if you can’t remember your master password. 
  • Enable two-factor-authentication (2FA) to your password manager account for an extra layer of security.  
  • Keep your password manager software along with web browsers you use up-to-date. 
  • Audit the list of devices that are approved to access your password manager. 
  • For work-related accounts, always use password managers that are approved by your organization. Follow your organization’s policies, standards and procedures when processing, storing or sharing work-related data. 

Remember, if password managers are managed appropriately, they will offer you the level of security you are looking for to your online accounts’ passwords. 

This blogpost is offered to you by the GW Information Security and Risk Services team. 

#SecuringGW is a shared responsibility, so if you see something, say something. Report suspicious digital activities, including phishing emails, to abuse@gwu.edu. 

IT Support Questions? For IT support, please contact the Information Technology Support Center at 202-994-GWIT (4948), ithelp@gwu.edu, or visit ithelp.gwu.edu. 

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Cybersecurity has become one of the most significant hot topics inside and outside technology circles over the last two years. From securing learning devices due to a rise in digital learning during the COVID-19 pandemic to coping with the fallout of high-profile breaches of national infrastructure such as the Colonial Pipeline, there is an evidently constant news cycle dedicated to cybersecurity mishaps and concerns. With this continuous stream of bad news, it can be challenging for you to know how to keep secure in the face of cybersecurity and threat actors. 

Everyday users have a huge role in cybersecurity threat prevention, detection, and remediation. According to a Wall Street Journal article, many hacks are successful by convincing someone inside or close to the target company to divulge network access credentials or other critical information. Therefore, GW’s first line of defense in helping to combat cyber-related issues is you. 

Here are 4 essential best practices that you can adopt today to enhance your cybersecurity and create a more secure cyberspace for you and GW.  

Watch out for Phishing Attempts

Phishing is when a threat actor poses as a legitimate party such as a bank, delivery service or other organization in an attempt to get individuals to click harmful links. Phishing remains one of the most popular tactics used  today. In fact, 80% of cybersecurity incidents stem from a phishing attempt. While phishing has gotten more sophisticated, the phishing signs remain the same. Look for typos, poor graphics, and other suspicious characteristics (incorrect logo or email address) as these can be red flags indicating that the content is a phish. In addition, if you think you have spotted a phishing attempt while logged into the GW network, report the incident to GW IT immediately. To report an incident please contact the GW Information Technology Support Center at 202-994-GWIT (4948) or email abuse@gwu.edu . 

Update your Password

Password cracking is another tactic that cybercriminals use to access sensitive personal information.  To guard against password cracking, having unique, long and complex passwords is one of the best ways to boost your cybersecurity immediately.  It is highly recommended not to repeat passwords across your accounts because once a hacker cracks one account, they can easily do the same across all of your accounts. 

Passwords can be tough to remember. That’s why it’s smart to use a password manager to help you secure your various passwords in one place. Password managers are easy to use and can automatically plug-in your stored password when you visit a site. Along with other security tips, password managers minimize the risk of mis-managing account passwords.

Take Advantage of Secure Wi-Fi 

Mobile hotspots and public Wi-Fi networks are typically not password-protected,  so it’s easier for threat actors  to gain unauthorized access to devices. Students, faculty, and staff should take full advantage of the university Wi-Fi networks when on campus. They are password-protected and only allow internet access across the university premises, operating as a secure online bubble for every user to work in peace.  

Lock your Device

Whenever you're logged into your devices (computer, laptop, phone, etc.),  you’re also open to potential unauthorized access by hackers and other threat actors.  The easiest way to prevent unauthorized access to your device is to lock it whenever you leave it unattended. All you have to do to get back on your device is enter the correct password, and you can pick up where you left off. If you wouldn't leave your house with the front door wide open, you should not leave your devices unlocked, especially when they are unattended.  

This blogpost is offered to you by the GW Information Security and Risk Services team. For more information on GW IT Security, please visit our security website: https://it.gwu.edu/gw-information-security  

#SecuringGW is a shared responsibility, so if you see something, say something. Report suspicious digital activities, including phishing emails, to abuse@gwu.edu. 

IT Support Questions? For IT support, please contact the Information Technology Support Center at 202-994-GWIT (4948), ithelp@gwu.edu, or visit ithelp.gwu.edu.  

Original blog content provided by The National Cyber Security Alliance www.stayfaeonline.org, modified and posted with permission. 

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The George Washington University (GW) offers Information Technology Resources (IT Resources) to facilitate virtual learning and teleworking. Complying with the University guidelines is essential to performing academic and work-related activities securely while preserving the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the University information. 

Higher education institutions are facing increased cyber threats, from cyberattacks such as phishing and ransomware to hijacking video conferencing sessions. Higher education institutions are a prime target for cyber attackers that are seeking to acquire and steal university information, such as research, personally identifiable information (PII), or to disrupt operations for financial or political gains. As a GW community member, it is essential to safeguard GW’s digital environment by understanding modern cyber threats and taking a role in minimizing risks associated with the unintentional misuse of the University IT Resources. This includes reporting events and incidents that could put university information and IT Resources at risk of exposure, theft, or misuse.  

This advisory guide is intended to support the GW community when using university-approved video conferencing software and related collaboration tools. Recommendations are included to reduce the likelihood of unintentional exposure of university and personal information beyond intended recipients. 

Recommendations for GW End-Users: 

  1. Only Use “Approved Platforms” to host events, and meetings.
    • Do not host school business via unapproved tools. Use only tools that have been provided or approved by GW. 
    • Carefully review meeting invitations. Think before you click and be wary of links sent by unfamiliar addresses 
  2. Secure your meeting for attendees.
    • Only make meetings “public” when necessary for the planned audience. 
    • Have a plan to terminate a meeting if needed.
    • Require a meeting password and use features such as a waiting room to secure private meetings.  
    • Provide a link to the meeting directly to your students and share passwords in a separate email.  
  3. Secure University Information.
    • Manage screensharing, recording, and file sharing options prior and during your hosted meeting. 
    • Protect non-public information, especially when screensharing and displaying GW information. 
    • Follow GW IT's guidelines for web conferencing storage.
    • Report suspicious activities or unusual events you notice during a meeting. 
  4. Secure Yourself and our GW Community.
    • Don’t unintentionally reveal information. Check your visual and audio surroundings to safeguard your personal information. 
    • Check and update your home network. Change default settings and use complex passwords for your Wi-Fi network. 
    • Always use GW VPN when accessing GW non-public information and IT Resources.  

Please visit the individual collaboration web pages for specific platform best practices.

IT Support Questions? For IT support, please contact the Information Technology Support Center at 202-994-GWIT (4948), ithelp@gwu.edu, or it.gwu.edu. For self-help resources and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the GWiz knowledge base at http://go.gwu.edu/GWiz.  

Some of the blog content is provided by The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security, modified to align with the University’s mission and common terminologies. 

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Devices such as cell phones, laptops, tablets are increasingly relied on whether from home, campus, and workplaces. The interconnectivity of those devices, especially from home locations, was heightened during the pandemic lockdown. According to recent data, smart home systems are set to rise to a market value of $157 billion by 2023, and the number of installed connected devices in the home is expected to increase by a staggering 70% by 2025. With the rise in virtual work and learning, it’s critical that you remain vigilant in practicing smart cyber hygiene while online. Here are some useful tips:        

Smart Devices need Smart Security 

Make cybersecurity a priority when purchasing a new cell phone, laptop, or tablet device. When setting up your new device, be sure to set your privacy and security settings, bearing in mind that you can limit with whom you are sharing information. Once your device is set up, remember to keep tabs on securing the information and where it is stored. Make sure that you manage location services actively to avoid unwittingly exposing your location. 

Put Cybersecurity First  

Make cybersecurity a priority when you're connected and online. Some precautions with all of your online accounts include performing regular software updates, downloading and installing software from trusted sources, using Two Factor Authentication (like we have at GW), and avoid being phished by ensuring that you know senders of an email before opening attachments. 

Make passwords and passphrases long and strong 

Generic and easy-to-remember passwords are easy to hack. Create secure and strong passwords, and be sure to combine capital and lowercase letters with numbers and symbols.  At a minimum, change your passwords every 6-months. If you need help remembering and storing your passwords, use a trusted password manager.   

Avoid connecting to public Wifi 

As smaller and more capable devices enable us to be mobile, we are all tempted to change scenery and change our physical location like a coffee shop or another type of public space. When you are away from trusted networks (your home or GWireless, for example), be wary of free, no password required, and even corporate hotspots. These connections may be fraudulent and easily accessible by bad actors.  

Use caution with publicly shared computers  

Avoid using publicly shared computers as often as possible. If you do use these, be careful and thoughtful in the information you share while online. If you are using your own devices, use known network hotspots, consider using your cellular connection (phone tethering), and avoid performing sensitive activities like accessing banking online. 

Turn off WiFi and Bluetooth when unneeded  

The uncomfortable truth is, when your WiFi and Bluetooth are on, they usually are set up to broadcast availability/presence and effectively invite other devices to connect.  While not always practical, to stay as safe as possible, switch them off if you do not need them. It’s a simple step that can help alleviate tracking concerns and incidents. You can also secure your WiFi and Bluetooth connections through your device settings. 

Staying safe online is an active 24/7 process that requires constant oversight 365 days a year. These helpful steps are how we in GW IT do our part to help you in doing your part to remain cyber smart. 

For more information on GW IT Security, please visit our security website: https://it.gwu.edu/gw-information-security.  

IT Support Questions? For IT support, please contact the Information Technology Support Center at 202-994-GWIT (4948), ithelp@gwu.edu or it.gwu.edu. For self-help resources and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the GWiz knowledge base at http://go.gwu.edu/GWiz. 

Original blog content provided by The National Cyber Security Alliance www.stayfaeonline.org, modified and posted with permission. 

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Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated, with more evolved bad actors cropping up each day. This year has already seen more than a fair share of attacks and breaches. Some high-profile attacks include SolarWinds, Kaseya breaches, as well as attacks on the Colonial Pipeline and other critical infrastructure. At a time when we are more connected than ever, being “cyber smart” is of the utmost importance. Luckily, there are several steps that we can take daily to mitigate risks and stay one step ahead of malefactors. Here are a few quick tips: 

Use strong passphrases/password manager 

Everyone has many passwords to keep track of, including personal, work, and school accounts. A great solution to managing all of these accounts and complex passphrases and passwords is a password manager. Using long, complex, and unique passphrases/passwords is a good way to stop your account from being hacked, and an easy way of keeping track and remembering your passwords is by using a password manager. There are several password managers, including those built into modern web browsers. Choose a password manager that you will use and look for solutions that have been reviewed and where customer feedback is positive. Several resources are available for reviewing password managers including: 

Perform software updates 

When a device prompts you that it’s time for a software update, it may be tempting to simply click postpone and ignore the message. However, having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system on your devices is one of the best defenses against online threats. So, don’t wait - update. 

Do your research 

Common sense is a crucial part of maintaining good online hygiene.  One intuitive step you can take to stay safe online is to research before downloading anything new to your device, such as apps. Before downloading any new application to your device, make sure that it is valid by checking who created the app, what the user reviews say, and if there are any articles published online about the app's privacy and security features. 

Email attachments are also one of the most popular ways for malware to infect your device. If you don't know who sent you an email, do not open the attachments. It could be malicious even if it appears to be an Excel file, a PDF, a picture, or something else. 

Check your settings 

Solid cyber security implementation is becoming increasingly essential for privacy protection. Be diligent in double-checking your privacy and security settings and knowing who can access your documents. Web applications such as Chrome and Safari have built-in settings to improve your browsing experience and safeguard your information while on the internet. Some of these settings include privacy and cookies settings. 

This extends from Google docs to Zoom calls and beyond. For meetings on Zoom, for example, create passwords so only those invited to the session can attend. Be sure to restrict who can share their screen or files with the rest of the attendees.  

Several resources are available for checking your settings: 

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For more information on GW IT Security, please visit our security website: https://it.gwu.edu/gw-information-security.  

IT Support Questions? For IT support, please contact the Information Technology Support Center at 202-994-GWIT (4948), ithelp@gwu.edu, or it.gwu.edu. For self-help resources and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the GW IT knowledge base.

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Original blog content provided by The National Cyber Security Alliance www.stayfaeonline.org, modified and posted with permission. 

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Logo for National Cybersecurity Awareness MonthNational Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) is a month that helps raise awareness and highlight the importance of cybersecurity. Cybersecurity and Information Security overlaps with almost everything we do and every technology we use. NCSAM was started in 2004 by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The creation of NCSAM was to help Americans be secure online. The month raises awareness for security and emphasizes both companies and individuals on how to protect themselves.

Over the years, NCSA and the DHS have put on joint events around many states for NCSAM. In the past events with panels of information security professionals have been done as well as talks and presentations. They have even done some summits around the states and webinars for all to join. This year they have panels, and presentations all around the country, including Washington, D.C. These events have had growing popularity each year and have had some high ranking and nationally recognized officials make appearances at these events.

Each year there are different themes. The themes are meant to emphasize a particular change in behavior that would help everyone be safer online. This year the theme is, “Own It, Secure It, Protect It”. The goal for this year's theme is to draw attention to careers in information security and to encourage accountability. Each week of the month will focus on a different area of the theme. The “own it” part of the theme is to have people take ownership of their data. Most people don’t realize how much private information is going out on the web. “Secure it”, is for having strong passphrases and avoiding scams and phishing. “Protect it” is being proactive with your information after it is out there. Being active in knowing where and who has your data, and how to keep it protected.

Here at GWU, we are involved with NCSAM by spreading awareness through the university and by hosting our own events. We have events like meet and greets with the Information Security team, Cybersecurity Jeopardy, webinars, and presentations throughout the month of October. If you want to attend any events or have a chance at winning some of our excellent prizes this year, check out the event calendar here, http://go.gwu.edu/ncsam2019.

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Security is in your hands image

95%  of all successful cyberattacks start with human error according to the IBM Cybersecurity Intelligence Index. That would make it pretty important to periodically evaluate and increase your own awareness of Information Security hygiene and awareness. 

Information security is one of the fastest-changing fields in the world. New technologies emerge every day that change the way people attack and defend systems and networks. While professionals in information security are required to be in a constant state of learning to keep up with the field as a whole, those without day to day dealings tend to be the primary targets and the least informed. Being aware and informed enables everyone to protect themselves. Staying informed is simple, there are a wide range of awareness organizations and individuals dedicated to reaching outside of the information security community and enabling everyday users to secure themselves, their data, and thereby their organizations. 

 

Awareness Companies

Security awareness training should be a high priority for any organization. To facilitate effective awareness training, a number of companies focus on providing awareness training as a professional service, often using computer based training. Companies such as Habitu8, SANS, KnowBe4, and Security Ninja focus on providing awareness training packages to organizations who want to inform and educate their employees. These packages are frequently integrated into something called a learning management system (LMS). An LMS is something like Blackboard. Other free resources are also available and essential to reaching people both inside and outside the Information Security community. Free websites often feature webinars, talks, and videos. You can ask your organization or awareness training coordinator what resources are available to educate yourself. (At GW, you can email infosec@gwu.edu for more resources or to request training for your student organization or department.)

Free training resources
Reading and news: https://www.sans.org/security-resources/
Test your knowledge and learn: https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/nova/cybersecurity/cyber/e/cybersecurity-101-quiz

 

On the Web

While organized and mandatory awareness training can be effective, it isn’t the only way to reduce risk and stay up to date on cybersecurity. There are an abundance of websites, blogs, and other informational pages freely available to all. Cybersecurity is often in the news as well, it is worth noting that it comes up more and more often. 

One website run by Troy Hunt, Have I Been Pwned not only allows users to check if their email has been associated with a data breach, but also stay up to date on data breaches happening around the world. Hunt’s website provides information on hundreds of breaches that may impact you or your family and can often provide the early warning you need to change your passwords before your accounts are stolen. In addition to providing a breach checking service, the site also offers a way for users to check their password against the ever growing list of compromised passwords that Hunt maintains, and if you are unsure of how to choose a secure password look no further than the same page for guidance.

Credit monitoring services like Credit Karma and Equifax also offer services the track your exposure to identity fraud or a credit data breach.

Many information security websites can be so technical that they drive less informed readers away, but don’t let that discourage you. Brian Krebs an investigative journalist runs a site called Krebs on Security where he writes about the most recent information security news. Krebs provides in depth coverage of ongoing stories that far surpass traditional news media coverage. He achieves this without alienating less technical readers with overly complicated and technical language and articles. Krebs on Security provides a good way for the average user to stay up to date on relevant topics in the information security space.

As social media has gained popularity, more and more professionals are turning towards it to keep informed and spread their message. It may come as a surprise to some that there is a large information security community on twitter, but it is one of the best places to keep up with the latest in security news. While some may think that only information security professionals should be following each other on twitter, everyone can benefit from the discussions, news, and events that are posted all over the #infosec twitter space. Users will frequently post links to free webinars, blogs, and conferences covering a wide range of topics that would help even the least technical user remain aware and informed. Big names on twitter such as Jake Williams (@MalwareJake), Brian Krebs (@briankrebs), Troy Hunt (@troyhunt), and Lesley Carhart (@hacks4pancakes) provide a constant stream of information security news, issues, and tips to benefit everyone. Organizational Twitter accounts like the National Cyber Alliance (@StaySafeOnline) and SANS Internet Storm Center (@sans_isc) also provide comprehensive and consistent updates to the cybersecurity student and professional. Don’t be afraid to use less traditional methods such as Twitter and social media to educate and protect yourself.

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Information Security Photo Collage

People have a lot of pre-conceived notions about security teams and practices. While some misconceptions may be grounded in truth and others fairly outlandish, there is a lot going on behind the scenes that users may not see. From claims that we are all hackers wearing hoodies and doing nefarious deeds to the perception that we are here to get in your way, we will help you understand what is true, what is not, and why these perceptions might exist.

Myth #1: Security is just here to say no

Being at a university presents the unique challenge of providing the tools and technology necessary for students and faculty to research, learn, and achieve their goals. We must strike a difficult balance between the availability of those resources and the security of the university and our community. As security professionals, we do everything we can to enable safe and reliable access to the tools that the GW community needs to reach their goals. We are here to facilitate a safe IT environment in which all students, faculty, and staff can access the resources that they need, sometimes it sounds like, “no”, but what we are really requesting is modifications that reduce risk of exposure or breaches at GW.

Myth #2: Security only deals with technology

Many people believe that IT security only works on securing servers, reading logs, and other highly technical tasks. On the contrary, the security team has a wide range of responsibilities of which technology is only a part. The security team is continuously engaging with people and data in a multitude of ways. Often trying to help people protect themselves and the organization through a security awareness program or working directly with other teams to enhance security within their operations. They are constantly trying to improve way to protect the GW community’s data by updating policies, implementing best practices, and assessing security processes.

Myth #3: The security team is just a bunch of hackers

Just as many people think that the security team is nothing but hackers. This is far from the truth. Information security is a wide field with many specializations and it takes all sorts to be effective. While some members of the team might be highly technical penetration testers, their counterparts are security professionals focused on defensive security and protecting the GW network and assets from outside threats. Not to mention that members of the IT Security team range from awareness professionals working with people and outreach to analysts focused on identifying and reducing risk.

Myth #4: The security team takes care of security so I don’t have to

The security team works tirelessly to ensure that the GW community, information, and assets are as well protected as possible, but the team is not always the first line of defense. Security is your responsibility too. Our community is often the first line of defense when it comes to attacks from outside GW. Social engineering (aka tricking people and deceiving them) is a common tactic employed by attackers and encompasses phishing, piggy backing, and taking advantage of users in the workplace. All of this means that you, the user, needs to play a vital role in protecting the university, or, as we call it #SecuringGW. Protecting your own information is an essential puzzle piece to overall security of GW.  Catching phishing emails and forwarding them to abuse at GW may seem like a small task, but it is small actions like this that alert the team and protect GW from large breaches. Being aware of people trying to enter buildings where they don’t belong, and maintaining a clean desk free of sensitive materials are all security measures that you can take to do your part in #SecuringGW.

Fact: GW Information Security – Your Trusted Advisor

The information security team strives to facilitate access to the resources that the GW Community needs in as secure a manner as possible. Security affects everyone; data loss, lack of availability, and compromised systems impede day to day business functions, which means it affects the day to day lives of everyone on campus. In order to help prevent this, the security team acts as a Trusted Advisor to everyone in the GW Community. Whether you want to implement a new system, service, or application, or begin a new project, involving the GW security team as Trusted Advisors from the start enables us to aid in proper project oversight and completion while maintaining and promoting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of GW’s data, systems, and services.

 

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Learn Social Engineering
OZKAYA, E. (2018). LEARN SOCIAL ENGINEERING

 

Previously, we discussed Social Engineering in the form of Phishing, a typically untargeted attack type that focuses on quantity over quality. However, not all Social Engineering attacks cast a large net, some get up close and personal. Attacks that involve pretexting are typically more focused and can be well planned and highly targeted; making them a credible threat to information security at any company.

Whether used in person or through other means of communication, pretexting is a dangerous method used by attackers to worm their way into systems and financial profit. Pretexting can be relatively simple and recycled constantly, but can also be well thought out, researched, and specifically tailored to each target. Ultimately, pretexting involves an attacker impersonating someone or having a “legitimate” reason to gain access where they do not belong.  Pretexting relies heavily on an attacker having convincing and effective aliases, stories, identities, and credibility.

The research conducted to carry out a pretexting attack is typically all open source. They might scour an organization’s web pages to understand the size, structure, and relationships, or they might look for company login portals such as HR sites, mail hosting, and VPN portals. Often times, attackers will try to find information on specific employees like email addresses, position within the company, and any other information that can be used to impersonate or manipulate them. Gathering all of this information about an organization helps attackers in understanding how the business operates and what type of attacks might work. If the target is a large company with thousands of employees then an attempt to impersonate someone is more likely to be successful than if the target is a small close knit business that would easily recognize an imposter.

Thorough research enables attacker to determine the best methods to gain unquestioned access to money transfers, systems, and other restricted areas. A tactic that attackers frequently use is to impersonate a target’s boss, an executive, or other important figure, and then urgently request money transfers to specified accounts. The hope is that the targeted individual will panic due to the urgency and fail to verify the transaction with anyone else. Other attack types include impersonating vendors, internal departments, or other entities who might have an already established relationship with the organization. The attacker may try to call the victim and using their false identity and back story, then get them to visit a fake company login page and input their credentials. With those credentials, attackers can now access potentially sensitive systems and data.

Whether a Social Engineer uses a relatively general pretext, or a highly targeted and well planned one, users should be aware of and able to prevent the danger that they pose. Preventing these kinds of attacks is not necessarily difficult, it just takes a bit of time and diligence. If someone asks you to complete a wire transfer, take the time to confirm that they are the ones that sent the email or made the phone call. Reach out with another form of communication to verify. Always confirm any backstory that is offered to you, if you have been asked to log into a portal to accept new compliance documents or policies, contact your compliance office to double check. If someone visits the office and claims to work for a maintenance company but they aren’t on your schedule, call the corporate office and verify that their employee is supposed to be there. Confirm package deliveries from delivery people you have never seen before. Be highly suspicious of anyone who contacts you and asks for login credentials, personal information, or financial details over the phone or through email. Always be wary of strangers trying to access systems, data, and even your office building. Take the time to protect yourself and your organization from attackers who try to manipulate you with convincing and well thought out back-stories and personas.

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Kennedy, D. (2014, March 05). Pretexting Like a Boss. Retrieved June 20, 2019, from https://www.trustedsec.com/2014/03/pretexting-like-boss/

Nadeem, M. (2019, April 17). Pretexting: Definition and examples | Social engineering. Retrieved June 20, 2019, from https://blog.mailfence.com/pretexting/

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