Cybersecurity Resources

Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility that protects the entire University community, network, and computing resources. This page will provide you with links to cybersecurity resources whether you are at Fayetteville State University to study, research, teach, or work.

Phishing 

E-mail is the most common way accounts are compromised at the University. Phishing is the term given to e-mail attacks that require minimal resources to launch and are difficult to defend against. Phishing can be used to deliver malware that will infect your device or use malicious links to steal your credentials. 

It’s important that you review any email you receive before opening an attachment or clicking a link. Look closely for the following clues: 

  • Suspicious formatting 
  • Language requesting urgent action be taken regarding your account 
  • Poor grammar 
  • An e-mail address that doesn’t match the supposed “sender” 

Users should immediately report suspicious emails using the “report phish” functionality in Outlook client. Information on how to use this feature can be found directly at Microsoft.com or by CLICKING HERE. 
 
Multifactor Authentication 
One of the most effective protections against phishing is multifactor authentication (MFA). If you receive an unexpected MFA notification, it is a sign that you need to contact the ITS Service Desk immediately via 910-672-HELP or submitting a ticket by CLICKING HERE. Never accept a 2-step notification that you did not initiate, it is a sign that someone has gotten your password and is attempting to login using your account. 
 
Software or Hardware Requests 
If you are purchasing software, services, or IT/medical/scientific products, you must complete a Project Request Form or consult request. These form are available by CLICKING HERE. Depending on the nature of the request, the product being requested may require an additional risk assessment. 
 
Contacting the ITS Information Security Office 
If you believe that your data may be at risk, the best course of action is to immediately contact the ITS Service Desk by calling 910-672-HELP or submitting a ticket by CLICKING HERE. If you have a non-urgent cybersecurity related need, the best course of action is submitting a ticket using the link above and noting that you would like it sent to the Information Security Office.