Data security

To: UCSC Community

From: Chancellor George Blumenthal

Today's news about a cyber attack at UCLA illustrates why it's important to take computer security seriously.

While there is no evidence that our campus was impacted by this attack, there are steps we should all take to protect the continued security of our systems and networks:  

• Ensure that your computer and mobile devices are up to date with the latest software and operating system updates and patches.

• Review electronic devices under your control (including computers, tablets, phones, and memory sticks) and remove or secure any files that contain sensitive information about individuals. 

• Be aware of email and phishing messages asking for personal information. Ensure that you have strong passwords and that you never share them with anyone.

Our information technology team works hard to keep our networks secure and will continue to educate the campus community about how we can protect our personal data. More information is available online, including "Top 10 Good Computing Practices."

What happened at UCLA is a call to action for us all. We must work together as an institution and as individuals to protect our computers, our networks, and our data from inappropriate activity.