VCU’s Cybersecurity Fair focuses on phishing, information security

Mason Brown
Staff Writer

Gone phishing? Don’t catch a virus.

VCU and VCU Health System hosted its annual Cybersecurity Fair for faculty, students and staff on Tuesday and Wednesday with the goal of spreading awareness on computer and internet security.

The event, which is hosted by VCU Libraries, VCU Health Systems, VCU School of Medicine, VCU School of Nursing and VCU Technology Services, aims to promote a secure technology culture within VCU and provide security education and training.

“The fair is to get the community more aware of technology and information security issues. You get a little of both the issues and how to fix them,” said Mark Willis, chief information officer at VCU. “You can get all the technology you want, but unless your users are aware and know how to protect themselves then it’s kind of useless.”

A major component of this year’s fair is raising the awareness of phishing at VCU. Phishing is the fraudulent practice of sending emails seeming to be from legitimate companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information, such as credit-card numbers, online. Emails sent to students that pose as fake information can be used to acquire login information frequently used to gain access to personal numbers such as bank account numbers and other information that is often used in identity theft cases.

According to Dan Han, information security officer at VCU, phishing and technology theft are the number-one issues for students in regards to technology.

Phishing is not exclusive to email attacks. There are also “vishing,” in which users receive fraudulent calls from “tech support” asking for login credentials, as well as “smishing,” which attempts to gain access to smart phones through SMS text messaging.

According to Han, companies will never ask for your login credentials through these means.

“A lot of phishing emails go out to students … everyone needs to be made aware of it,” said Rami Hatoum, supervisor of the HelpIT desk at VCU. “Just be more aware. On the internet, there is always someone out there to get somebody. Awareness and education is key.”

The VCU HelpIT Desk is open extended hours Monday through Thursday to help students with computer support, as well as offering hours on Fridays and during weekends.

“Our job is to help you. That is what we want people to know,” Hatoum said.

The fair was a two-day event with the Monroe Park Campus on Tuesday and MCV campus on Wednesday. Most the information provided is aimed at promoting awareness and the event does try to direct attendees to speeches that cater to their knowledge level by providing a key to the events based on technological experience.

“Trying to educate our students, faculty and staff on what we do as well as getting their input is most important to the fair,” said Han. “Last year it was directed towards more of the IT staff, and this year we’re trying to open it up a bit more.”

VCU Technology services offers more information on how to secure your computer and personal data on it’s website atts.vcu.edu as well through the HelpIT Desk at VCU. Students can also follow Technology Services Twitter @vcuinfosec for security information and up-to-the minute on VCU-related security software and issues.