- Question changes in your browser or desktop that you did not initiate.
- Look carefully before responding to unsolicited emails or links.
- Files or emails that are accidently shared or sent in error should be reported to ITS.
- Report lost or stolen devices to Campus Safety right away.
- Big changes are announced; take note of things that are not announced.
- ITS can help you determine if a change is legitimate – call us at x7111
A simple, but important, step you can take to protect your digital life is to maintain awareness. When using your computer or mobile device, note when things are out of place, unexpected, or new without cause.
Emails and websites purporting to be from reputable companies will seldom have poor grammar or spelling. Be wary of unsolicited contact by email or phone, especially when they request any confidential or sensitive information or use an unfamiliar process. These are signs of potential intrusion attempts.
Changes to device backgrounds, new icons that suddenly appear on your desktop, especially after installing “freeware” or other downloaded apps, and other changes to your computing environment may signal that someone, other than you, has access to your device. Free software and apps are more likely to contain malicious code and should be avoided.
Be vigilant when using devices and the network. Report odd or suspicious changes on your computer to ITS. We can help you determine whether your system has been compromised and offer help mitigating issues that are detected.
Report suspected unauthorized access to data, mass email mishaps and any unintended changes to data or systems to ITS. Additionally, please contact ITS if you see confidential or sensitive data in an open environment.
Report lost devices to Campus Safety by calling extension 7333 as soon as possible. Report other suspicious activity in your digital world to ITS by calling extension 7111.
For more information, contact the ITS Help Desk at extension 7111 or email ITSHelp@colgate.edu.