“AI Agents Used to Breach 100 Companies, Steal Credit Card Data”
“Autonomous AI Agents Compromise Thousands of Credentials in Under Six Hours”
“Tech Giants Warn of AI-Powered Attacks: The Cybersecurity Status Quo Will Not Be Enough”
You’ve seen the headlines, and you may have even taken the time to read recent stories. The rapid evolution of AI has accelerated the rate and scale at which cybercriminals operate. The quality of phishing emails has improved, featuring higher-quality graphics and well-written text. Automating systems using AI has made the process of collecting, collating, and distributing usernames, passwords, and other personal information more efficient. AI-driven voice analysis technology allows someone’s voice to be spoofed in minutes.
How can you keep your personal information secure and protect Baylor’s vital data resources in the current landscape? Heightened vigilance. Cybercriminals haven’t necessarily changed their tactics, but they have better tools. By enhancing your vigilance around the following cybersecurity best practices, you will increase your chances and Baylor’s chances of keeping cybercriminals at bay.
- Passwords
A great password or passphrase that has 16-20 characters, is memorable to you, and contains different types of characters and spaces in conjunction with multi-factor authentication, such as Baylor's Duo two-factor authentication, is your first line of cyber defense. - Multi-factor Authentication
Use multi-factor authentication whenever possible, and never respond to multi-factor requests you did not request. - Phishing
Baylor, your bank, or other institutions that handle finances and highly sensitive information will never request passwords, Social Security numbers, and other sensitive information from you through an email message or unsecured web-based form. Also, visit our Phish Free blog for examples of current phishing attempts at Baylor. - Vishing
Do not answer calls from unknown numbers, and end calls that may sound like a relative or friend, but are actually not based on the nature of the conversation and your own verification. - OS & Software Updates
Keep your devices on the latest operating system versions and update software versions when prompted so you can be sure to have the latest security updates. - Links
While it may be convenient, do not click links in messages. Open a browser, enter the web address, go through the login process, and then engage with the platform. - Personally Identifiable Information
Limit the amount of personally identifiable information that you share on social media platforms and websites, and frequently check the privacy settings on platforms you use. - Malvertising
If something sounds too good to be true...it probably is. Do not respond to ads that offer something that is outlandish. If you are interested, do not click the ad. Navigate to the platform directly and investigate. - Public WiFi
If you are using a publicly available WiFi network, be aware of personal or protected information you may be sending or receiving. - Data Security
With more of us spending more time online, we need to be vigilant about securing the data accessed by and stored on our devices. - Backups
Make sure you back up your most vital, personal data to protect yourself against hardware failure, a lost flash drive, or other forms of data loss. - AI
Be cautious with your information as you use new and emerging AI tools and resources.
see and share this year's cybersecurity awareness campaign ads
You can also look back on 20 years of BearAware campaigns that have helped shape cybersecurity awareness throughout the Baylor community.
For more cybersecurity tips, visit Stay Safe Online and Securing the Next 250, two helpful sites produced by the National Cybersecurity Alliance and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. You can also read the latest Cybersecurity Attitudes and Behaviors Report published by the National Cybersecurity Alliance.
BearAware is Baylor's cybersecurity awareness initiative. Throughout the year, BaylorITS keeps our community BearAware of the latest information on security threats through cybersecurity alerts and our Phish Free blog.
During Cybersecurity Awareness Month and beyond, remain vigilant and report any suspected cybercriminal activity by email at abuse@baylor.edu, in person at HelpDesk+ on the main floor of Moody Memorial Library, by phone at (254) 710-4357, or using HelpDesk+ Chat at helpdesk.baylor.edu.