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Security & Policy

Essentials to Avoid Online Scams

Any email, even from someone you know, can have dangerous links or attachments. Check before you click!
Watch the video to see how.

Looking for information on October's National Cyber Security Awareness Month activities? #CyberAware

Watch out for identity theft! Massive security breaches at major corporations mean you need to take steps to protect your personal identity and financial information. Find out what to do.

Unsure about an email?

See fake emails that try to trick you in the Phish Bowl.
If you get one, Never click on links in it.

See verified legitimate emails from Cornell.
(login required)

Use Two-Step Login for added security.

With Two-Step Login, even if your password is stolen, the second step of the login process will prevent a thief from breaking in.
Find out more.

Get Help for IT Security Problems

NetID Password Compromise

Do you suspect your NetID password has been stolen?

  1. Change your password immediately. Contact the IT Service Desk if you can't change your password.
  2. Report the incident immediately to the IT Security Office.

Computer Compromise

Do you suspect your system has been hacked or downloaded a virus?

  1. Disconnect from the network by turning off Wi-Fi and unplugging Ethernet.
  2. Contact the IT Service Desk for help (phone 607-255-5500).

More for IT Security & Policy

Department Liaisons

Department staff who help ensure appropriate measures are taken in response to a security incident.

Student Security Resources

Links to security services most useful for students.

Vocabulary

Short explanations of terms used in these security pages.

IT Policy

The IT Policies that ensure legal and appropriate use of the university's resources and keep data private and secure.

Scary Fish

Fight the Phishing!

Report suspected phishes to the IT Security Office. Be sure to include the entire text of the message and email headers.

Use the Phish Bowl to see some phishing (fake) emails that have been spotted at Cornell.

Have you received an email claiming to be from Cornell? Make sure it is by checking a list of verified Cornell communications.

Data Privacy

Remember...

Share With Care

  • What you post can last a lifetime: Before posting online think about how it might be perceived now and in the future and who might see it. 
     
  • Own your online presence: Set the privacy and security settings on web services and devices to your comfort level for information sharing. It’s ok to limit how and with whom you share information. 
     
  • Be aware of what’s being shared: Be aware that when you share a post, picture or video online, you may also be revealing information about others. Be thoughtful when and how you share information about others.
  • Post only about others as you have them post about you: The golden rule applies online as well. 
     

Personal Information Is Like Money. Value It. Protect It.

  • Think before you act: Be wary of communications that implore you to act immediately, offer something that sounds too good to be true or ask for personal information.
     
  • Lock Down Your Login: Fortify your online accounts by enabling the strongest authentication tools available, such as biometrics, security keys or a unique one-time code through an app on your mobile device. Your usernames and passwords are not enough to protect key accounts like email, banking and social media.

Service Details

Audience(s):

Alumni Faculty IT Professionals Staff Students Visitors

Regulated Data:

Not applicable or information not available.

Support Contact:

IT Service Desk
Phone: (607) 255-5500
Email: itservicedesk@cornell.edu

Normal Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm (Eastern Time)
Emergency Service Disruptions: After Hours Support

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