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Tag: awareness

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GW IT Staff Host Interactive Table at Midnight Breakfast 2025

Every December GW provides students a stress reducing night of games, treats, and of course breakfast.  GW IT Cybersecurity staff prepared an interactive 'Phishing Awareness' for students.  The team estimates over 300 students participating in f[P]hishing  for cyber risks, threats, and tips and interacting with staff about whether they were 'Phished' (caught by insufficient secure computing) or 'Shook the Hook' (protected by best practice). The team members shared insights, examples, and reinforced best practices.  For anyone who received some strong suggestions during the conversations, please take a look at our resources for additional information on how you can better protect yourself. 

Image from GW Today staff posted on GW Today Midnight Breakfast Photos 

students interacting with cybersecurity staff on best practices for securing themselves online
The annual Midnight Breakfast university tradition offered students a chance to step away from finals prep and recharge while building community.

Please see our events page for more fun events as well as more standard webinars (GW SSO Required.

Take an active role in keeping our university secure! 

GW IT Security Hippo mascot holding a lockThis content is presented by the GW IT Cybersecurity Risk and Assurance team. #CyberSafeGW is a shared responsibility, if you see something, say something. Report suspicious digital activities, including phishing emails, to abuse[@]gwu.edu.

 

 

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Data Encryption Workshop Announced

Join GW IT cybersecurity staff for a hands-on seminar & workshop covering the importance of data security and an interactive encryption exercise.  All participants will leave with a fully encrypted USB thumb drive and information on how to access the drive as well as how you can encrypt other storage devices. 

Registration is required and space is limited.  Participants must bring a laptop to the session to encrypt the USB drive. 

Please see our Data Encryption Workshop Landing Page for more information including remaining registrations

Take an active role in keeping our university secure! 

GW IT Security Hippo mascot holding a lockThis content is presented by the GW IT Cybersecurity Risk and Assurance team. #CyberSafeGW is a shared responsibility, if you see something, say something. Report suspicious digital activities, including phishing emails, to abuse[@]gwu.edu.

 

 

Cyber Monday Tips for Staying Secure

Following the excitement of Black Friday, Cyber Monday continues the holiday shopping spree. However, with the surge in online transactions, individuals must remain vigilant against shopping fraud and scams  (7 MIN READ besecurityaware.com) – especially if you’re using your work computer. No one wants to be the one who infected their workplace with a computer virus while doing online shopping on their work computer. Continue to watch out for these common holiday shopping scams which involve fake delivery notifications and deals that are too good to be true. (Video content from besecurityaware.com)

unofficial GW hippo mascot holding a lockThis content is presented by the GW IT Cybersecurity Risk and Assurance team. #CyberSafeGW is a shared responsibility, if you see something, say something. Report suspicious digital activities, including phishing emails, to abuse[@]gwu.edu.

 

 

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Go deeper into the EDUCAUSE 2026 Top 10

Wednesday, December 03, 2025 | 1:00PM–2:00PM ET

EDUCAUSE Top 10 Report

Join EDUCAUSE for a webinar to reflect on the significance of each issue on the list as well as the larger story it tells about where higher education is heading. The Webinar will share real-world examples of how the items on the Top 10 are impacting your peers at other institutions, and offer recommendations on how the Top 10 can start to shape practice at your institution today. 

Register (external Webinar provided by EDUCAUSE)

GW IT Security Hippo mascot holding a lockThis content is presented by the GW IT Cybersecurity Risk and Assurance team. #CyberSafeGW is a shared responsibility, if you see something, say something. Report suspicious digital activities, including phishing emails, to abuse[@]gwu.edu.

 

 

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National Cybersecurity Alliance: What Are Common Crypto Scams?

Cryptocurrency investment scams are big business, but you can keep your wallet safe. (5 MIN READ)

Futuristic AI created Pyramid of various crypto currencies

Cryptocurrency sounds like money from the future, but scammers are already here and they’re after your dollars, both real and digital! 

From fake bitcoin giveaways to romance scams to shady investment “opportunities,” crypto scams are exploding in popularity. The FBI reports that Americans lose over $9 billion per year to cryptocurrency investment fraud, and this is likely a low estimate due to underreporting.  

“Cryptocurrency scams are stealing billions and wrecking lives, and it’s not because people are careless or naive," says Erin West, founder of Operation Shamrock, an organization focused on raising awareness about pig butchering scams. "These scams are highly organized, emotionally manipulative, and designed to bypass your defenses. Talking about them openly is how we fight back.”   

However, you can fight back and keep your wallet locked up. Let's learn about the common crypto scams, how they work, and most importantly, how you can avoid them! 

What is a cryptocurrency scam? 

A cryptocurrency scam is any trick or scheme designed to steal your digital currency, like bitcoin or Ethereum. Scammers also attempt to persuade you to hand over personal information or cash under the promise of crypto riches. 

Scammers love crypto because: 

  • Transactions are hard – and often impossible – to reverse. 
  • There’s no central authority to report to. 
  • Lots of people are interested in it but don’t fully understand how it works. 

Now that's a recipe for fraud... 

Common crypto scams to watch out for 

1. Too-good-to-be-true investments 

Someone promises massive returns on your crypto investment. Think: “Double your bitcoin in 24 hours!”   

They offer their services...and then disappear the moment you send your crypto over. 

Red flags: 

  • High-pressure tactics
  • Vague or confusing “white papers
  •  Anonymous founders or fake celebrity endorsements – AI "deepfakes" might even be used!  

2. Heartbreaking romance scams

Scammers establish emotional relationships online, then suddenly claim to have an emergency. “I need help unlocking my wallet,” they say. Or, “Let’s invest together!” 

These scams might unfold over weeks or months. The scammers might even show you doctored charts or apps that make it appear as though you're making money. Pig butchering scams often include a romantic angle.   

Our general advice is to avoid mixing online romance and investing – if you feel pressured to break this rule, you're likely being scammed.  

Red flags: 

  • Your crush won’t video chat 
  • Your crush avoids in-person meetings 
  • Your crush brings up crypto out of nowhere 

3. Phishing with crypto bait 

Fake emails or DMs from “Coinbase” or another crypto platform tell you your wallet is compromised. The link directs you to a fake login page where scammers attempt to steal your credentials.  

Red flags: 

  • Spelling errors or weird URLs 
  • Requests for your private wallet keys or passwords – never share this info! 
  • Messages with a sense of urgency (“Act now or lose everything!”) 

4. Pump and dump coins 

Social media influencers hype up a new altcoin. You buy in to avoid FOMO (that's the "fear of missing out"). The price spikes...then plummets toward zero when the scammers sell off their stash and vanish. 

Red flags: 

  • Unverified claims of partnerships or tech
  • Paid promotions disguised as advice
  • No clear use case for the coin beyond a quick buck for early adopters 

5. Fake crypto apps 

You download a legit-looking crypto app, but you get malware instead. It drains your funds or steals your login info. 

Red flags: 

  • Apps not found in official app stores (like Apple App Store or Google Play) 
  • No reviews or seemingly fake ones 
  • Poor design, broken features, and requests for suspicious app permissions 

How to avoid crypto scams 

While both cryptocurrency and scams are constantly evolving, there are a few habits you can adopt to invest online more safely. Because cryptocurrency is largely unregulated, it is essential to exercise caution with these emerging technologies.  

  1. Do your research before buying or investing in any coin or platform. 
  2. Don’t trust financial advice from strangers on social media or dating apps. 
  3. Use reputable crypto wallets and exchanges – stick to well-established and trusted brands. 
  4. Enable multifactor authentication (MFA) for every account.  
  5. Never share your private key or seed phrase with anyone, ever. 

Never click on links in alarming emails – go to your cryptocurrency account provider’s website directly. Also, don’t download apps from Test Flight (Apply) as those apps are not verified.  

Pro tip: If Tom Hanks DMs you about crypto, it’s not Tom Hanks 

Scammers love impersonating public figures. If someone famous messages you with a crypto giveaway or investment tip, assume it’s fake until proven otherwise. Today, AI is used to make realistic promo videos for scammy cryptos, so, unfortunately, you shouldn't believe your eyes when it comes to cryptocurrency ads.  

What to do if you get scammed 

If you think you’ve fallen for a crypto scam:

  • Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and the FBI at IC3.
  • File a complaint with the crypto platform like Coinbase or Binance.
  • Document everything, like screenshots, usernames, and wallet addresses.
  • Tell your bank if you paid with a debit or credit card.

Even if you can’t recover your money, reporting helps stop the scam from spreading. 

Invest Safe Online and avoid the scammers 

Crypto is exciting, but scammers are hoping you’re too excited to think clearly. Slow down, double-check, and don’t let the promise of easy money cloud your judgment. 

Want a hot crypto tip? An amazing investment…is your own awareness. 

And if you want more scam-busting tips? Sign up for our newsletter and get cybersecurity info sent straight to your inbox! 

Content Originally Published July 7, 2025 by:
National Cybersecurity Alliance Logohttps://www.staysafeonline.org/

GW IT Security Hippo mascot holding a lockThis content is presented by the GW IT Cybersecurity Risk and Assurance team. #CyberSafeGW is a shared responsibility, if you see something, say something. Report suspicious digital activities, including phishing emails, to abuse[@]gwu.edu.

 

 

2026 EDUCAUSE Top 10 - #1 Collaborative Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is no stranger to the EDUCAUSE Top 10, but this year, technology and cybersecurity leaders are zooming in on the partnerships they're building with institutional stakeholders as the focal point of their efforts. Collaborative Cybersecurity is issue #1 in the 2026 EDUCAUSE Top 10.  You can explore the Collaborative Cybersecurity item at the EDUCAUSE site

unofficial GW hippo mascot holding a lockThis content is presented by the GW IT Cybersecurity Risk and Assurance team. #CyberSafeGW is a shared responsibility, if you see something, say something. Report suspicious digital activities, including phishing emails, to abuse[@]gwu.edu.

 

 

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November and December Cyber Talk Schedule

Please follow the links below to view event details including description and registration links.

Cyber Talk – Phishing / Social Engineering @ GW

Holiday Deals or Steals? Avoiding Online Shopping Scams (externally provided webinar) November 19, 2025 at 2:00 PM

Cyber Talk – CyberSafe Travel

Cyber Talk – Creating and Managing Secure Passwords December 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM

Cyber Talk – Lock It Down – Mobile Device Security December 16, 2025 at 1:00 PM

We hope to see you at one or more of our events.

GW IT Security Hippo mascot holding a lock This content is presented by the GW IT Cybersecurity Risk and Assurance team. #CyberSafeGW is a shared responsibility, if you see something, say something. Report suspicious digital activities, including phishing emails, to abuse[@]gwu.edu.

 

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Pre-Paid GW Student Registrations Available

OWASP 2025 Global AppSec Conference

November 6 - 7 2025 - Washington DC

CyberSafe GW - Student Engagement Ideation Contest -Winning Submissions Win a Conference Pass (5 total)

Winners of the first annual student engagement ideation contest will receive a pre-paid pass to the Open Worldwide Application Security Project (OWASP) conference (link to external conference site).

More Information (link to myGW groups page - GW SSO required)

GW IT Security Hippo mascot holding a lockThis content is presented by the GW IT Cybersecurity Risk and Assurance team. #CyberSafeGW is a shared responsibility, if you see something, say something. Report suspicious digital activities, including phishing emails, to abuse[@]gwu.edu.

 

 

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CyberSafe Tips for GW's extended community - #SecuretheGenerations

Please checkout our Cyber Talks and other events throughout Cybersecurity Month!  

Take a look at the tips for your own and other generations - each tip sheet has generalizations (admittedly) as well as 'Fun Facts'. Most importantly, each tip sheet highlights risks faced, common security threats, and recommendations. Supporting our shared role in creating a CyberSafe GW there are suggestions on how each generation can support the other generations in being more secure.

The attached 1-pager highlights items from each of the detailed tip sheets above. These materials were provided by the SANS Institute 

unofficial GW hippo mascot holding a lockThis content is presented by the GW IT Cybersecurity Risk and Assurance team. #CyberSafeGW is a shared responsibility, if you see something, say something. Report suspicious digital activities, including phishing emails, to abuse[@]gwu.edu.

 

 

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National Cybersecurity Alliance Post: Meet the Core 4+: Cybersecurity Practices

(7 MIN READ)

1. Use long, unique, and complex passwords (and a password manager!) 

Your passwords are the first line of defense between a criminal and your sensitive information.   Here’s how to have amazing passwords: 

  • Every password must be long, unique, and complex. Nowadays, every password should be at least 16 characters long, which significantly overwhelms password-cracking programs. Use a random mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. And every account needs a unique password.      
  • Don't reuse passwords! Every account needs a unique password. Unfortunately, making little changes, like adding numbers or switching out an S with a $, doesn't count as a unique password. 
  • Use a password manager to store and generate strong passwords. If you're wondering how to manage so many unique, long passwords, the answer is a password manager! There are many free, secure options. Password managers are the safest way to store your passwords. If you prefer to keep a password notebook, treat it like cash. 

2. Enable multifactor authentication (MFA)

Multifactor authentication (sometimes called 2FA) adds an extra security layer by requiring something more than just your password to log in. Think of it as using two locks on your digital door instead of only one. This could be:

  • A one-time code sent to your phone
  • A biometric scan like a fingerprint scan or FaceID
  • A physical security key

Enable MFA on your accounts – especially email, banking, and social media. It’s a simple way to supercharge the security on your accounts. Also, never share MFA codes with anyone – this includes not sharing them over the phone, through texts, or via email. Only scammers will ask for MFA codes.

3. Keep software updated 

Software updates don’t just bring new features. They often fix security flaws that criminals exploit.   It usually takes a few minutes, but updates are worth it. Here are some tips:

  • Turn on automatic updates when possible for your devices and apps – you can usually find these options in your Settings menu. 
  • Install updates promptly for your operating systems, browsers, antivirus tools, and apps.
  • Don't click Remind Me Later – the security is worth it. 
  • Remember your phones, smartwatches, and tablets are computers – keep these devices updated as well!

4. Watch out for phishing and scams 

Phishing remains the most common online threat. Criminals send fake emails, texts, or social media messages to trick you into revealing sensitive information or clicking malicious links. These messages aim to get you to click before you think by playing your emotions. Scammers will even call you! Here's how to look out for phishing and scams: 

  • Be highly skeptical of unexpected messages, especially those urging immediate action or asking for personal details.
  • Phishing emails can light up positive emotions ("You've won our sweepstakes!") or negative ones ("You've been hacked!"). 
  • Don’t click suspicious links or download unexpected attachments. 
  • Report phishing attempts to your email provider, social media platform, or IT department. 
  • If you're unsure if a message is legit, ask a friend, coworker, or family member. A second set of eyes can be invaluable in spotting scams.  
  • The full online article includes 6 additional tips

Content Originally Published July 22, 2025 by: National Cybersecurity Alliance Logohttps://www.staysafeonline.org/

unofficial GW hippo mascot holding a lockThis content is presented by the GW IT Cybersecurity Risk and Assurance team. #CyberSafeGW is a shared responsibility, if you see something, say something. Report suspicious digital activities, including phishing emails, to abuse[@]gwu.edu.

 

 

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