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Clif’s Notes for Oct. 3, 2017

October 3, 2017 by Clif Smart

Students in computer lab

Recently we had a phishing email scam reach over 2,000 email accounts at Missouri State. I was one of the 2,000 employees that received this email. If you were one of these 2,000 people, you also received an email notifying you of the scam and telling you what to do if you clicked on the link in the email.

Six people clicked on the link in the email and typed in their university BearPass ID and password (which is a really big mistake). Hackers stole those passwords and changed direct deposit information in an attempt to steal these employees’ September paychecks.

Fortunately, our hardworking cybersecurity and financial services teams at Missouri State quickly identified the situation and worked with the affected individuals to reverse the direct deposit changes. However, this should be a lesson to everyone at Missouri State that hackers are aggressively trying to take your money and personal information, and cybersecurity is more important than ever.

Beware of cybercriminals

While this attack received publicity throughout campus, hundreds of similar attacks target our university networks and information systems each month. The great majority of these attacks are detected and averted by our cybersecurity team without anyone falling victim to them or even knowing they occurred. However, as we learned recently, it is inevitable that some of these threats will make it through to end users like you and me.

Our information security office personnel work hard to keep university data secure, but all of us who use computers are the first line of defense. We must always be cautious and aware when following links, downloading files and opening attachments.

Tips to keep you safe

There are actions you can take to help:

  • Be suspicious of email. Cybercriminals often attempt to make email appear to be from someone it’s not. Look carefully at the “From” address in emails you receive. Cybercriminals may use domain names similar, but not identical, to Missouri State’s, like missouristateedu.com.
  • Avoid clicking on links in email. Because emails can contain deceptively labeled links, it is best to avoid clicking on links in email entirely. If you do click on a link, hover your mouse over it before clicking to reveal the website address it will send you to. If the website address does not match the description, report the email to the information security office.
  • Know where your reply is going. If you reply to an email, check that the “To” address in your reply is what you expected. One tactic used by cybercriminals is setting a “Reply-to” address that is different than the “From” address.

For best practices on keeping our information safe and secure, I recommend viewing the information security awareness training video developed by the information security office. In light of a recent increase in the number and sophistication of attacks throughout the globe, we will be increasing our efforts to train groups of employees unit-by-unit throughout the university. If you hear that your unit will be participating in group cybersecurity training, I recommend that you participate to learn how you can keep your personal information and assets safe from cybercriminals.

If you receive anything suspicious, or if you have any questions or concerns related to information security, please contact the information security office at 417-836-5226.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!

Filed Under: Clif's Notes, Smart Tagged With: information technology

Clif’s Notes for Feb. 9, 2016

February 9, 2016 by Clif Smart

Board of Governors

Clif's Notes

 

 

 

 

The Board of Governors met on Friday. They discussed a number of important topics and took action on several items.

Committee meeting updates18851-4220-Clif's-Notes-Board-of-Governors

In the Finance and Facilities Committee meeting, the Board discussed the 2016-2017 Fees Schedule.

If the State of Missouri increases operating appropriations for higher education institutions by 6 percent, Missouri State University will not increase in-state undergraduate tuition for 2016-2017.

Otherwise, the University will raise in-state undergraduate tuition from $205 to $206, which is consistent with the 0.7 percent CPI inflation rate for 2015. The Board will approve the new fee schedule in March.

In the Programs and Planning Committee meeting, the Board discussed globalization and funding, two topics that will be covered in the next Long-Range Plan. The Board will work on the Long-Range Plan at its March retreat, and the new plan will be in place before the start of the fall 2016 semester.

The University wants you to be involved in developing the path it will take to achieve its mission from 2016-2021. Your feedback is welcome and encouraged.

A new non-discrimination policyIMG_8066-Clifs-Notes-Seal

During the regular meeting, the Board updated the University’s Non-Discrimination Policy Statement. The new statement conforms with state and federal law.

It is a tighter statement that lists the discrimination bases currently protected by the law without extending beyond what is legally required. The University has consistently prohibited the types of discrimination set forth in the new policy statement, and the University will continue to do so in the future.

Meeting technology needs going forward

Finally, the Board discussed Missouri State’s information technology infrastructure and needs.

The Board learned about the University’s current information technology resources and discussed how to move the University forward with regard to classroom technology, online education and student technology demands.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!

Filed Under: Clif's Notes, Smart Tagged With: Board of Governors, diversity, fees, information technology, long-range plan, tuition

Support available for tax fraud victims

April 16, 2015 by Clif Smart

Filing taxes

Filing taxesReports of tax-related identity theft have been in both the national and local media this tax season. Criminals are obtaining personal information from a variety of sources external to the University and using the information to file tax returns claiming fraudulent refunds. This identity theft scam is affecting millions of tax payers across our nation and is reported as being the largest and most costly in United States history.

University data secure

Computer services has thoroughly investigated this issue and determined no Missouri State information systems have been compromised.

Resources for fraud victims

Unfortunately, several Missouri State employees have been affected by this fraud. If you have been a victim of this fraud, please review guidance from the Internal Revenue Service.

A local resource for assistance is the Springfield Internal Revenue Service Office located at 2937 S. Claremont Avenue, Building A, which is off of East Battlefield behind Metropolitan Grill.

Another valuable resource available for members of the Missouri State community is the information security unit of computer services.  If you have questions or concerns about information security at Missouri State or best practices used to prevent and protect yourself from identity theft, please contact them at informationsecurity@missouristate.edu.

Filed Under: 2014, Smart Tagged With: fraud, information technology, security, taxes

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