Awareness Education

Awareness is my armor shield

Cybersecurity Awareness Month

The month of October is dedicated to cybersecurity awareness. Learning how your actions impact the security of your personal data as well as the university's is the first step in understanding the critical role you play in cybersecurity.

To support the mission of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Information Technology staff will host a series of educational events throughout the month. The schedule is in the process of being created now. Check back closer to the October to find out what is in store!

Cybersecurity Events All Month Long

Join us throughout October for free swag and quick IT tips at the Frank Parker Plaza and the LSC 2nd Floor Info Desk.

📅 Event Schedule:

  • Oct 2, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Parker Plaza
  • Oct 7, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. LSC 2nd Info Desk
  • Oct 15, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Parker Plaza
  • Oct 23, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. LSC 2nd Info Desk
  • Oct 28, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Parker Plaza 

Online Scams to Watch Out For

Cybercriminals target students, faculty, and staff with scams meant to trick you into giving up personal information or money. Stay alert for these common ones:

🎣 Phishing Emails

  • Look like they’re from SHSU, a professor, or a trusted service.
  • Ask you to click links or share login info.
    ✅ Always verify the sender before clicking.

💼 Job & Internship Scams

  • “High pay for little work” is a red flag.
  • Requests for personal info, upfront fees, or use of personal email/phone are suspicious.
    ✅ Stick to your SHSU email and official job postings.

🛠️ Tech Support Scams

  • Fake calls, emails, or pop-ups claiming your computer is infected.
  • Offers to “fix” your device for a fee.
    ✅ SHSU IT will never ask for passwords or payment by phone or email.

💬 Messaging App Scams

  • Scammers pose as students in group chats.
  • Fake tickets, items, or discounts with no refunds through payment apps.
    ✅ Avoid buying from strangers online.

👉 Quick tip: If it feels “off,” it probably is. Report suspicious activity to Abuse@shsu.edu.

🔒 Why Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Matters

Passwords alone aren’t enough to keep your accounts safe. That’s why SHSU uses Duo MFA—it adds a second layer of protection:

  • Something you know: your password
  • Something you have: your smartphone or security key

Even if someone steals your password, MFA makes it much harder for them to get in—like locking your door and setting an alarm.

⚠️ If you get a Duo request you didn’t make:
  • Tap Deny and report it using the Fraud button
  • Immediately change your password

Pro tip: Enable MFA on your personal accounts (email, banking, social media). It’s one of the easiest ways to protect your identity, data, and money.