Cybersecurity Month 2025

Order Up! Google Passkeys for Your Account

• 🛎️A Google Passkey is a superior, phishing-resistant way to verify your identity. Think of them as a secret menu item only you can access. Instead of a password or a code that can be stolen, your passkey uses biometrics like your fingerprint or face ID to get you in the door.
• 🛎️Set up your Google Passkey in two minutes flat. Don’t get served a fake; protect yourself and keep your digital life hot to go!

Is it All in My Head? Think Again. How to Spot a Phish!

• 🌡️Check the Number: Scammers often use email addresses created to look similar to official campus email addresses, but it’s all an effort to get your personal information. Always take a minute to verify the sender’s address. In some cases, emails can come from compromised WFU email accounts so pay close attention to the following tips to be sure the communication can be trusted!
• 🌡️A Bad Taste: Trust your gut. If it feels off or sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Another red flag is any request for personal information, like your Social Security number or bank account details, via email. Any email asking for these types of personal information or additional contact information should be thoroughly investigated.  
• 🌡️Hurry Up, It’s Getting Cold: Phishing emails often create a sense of urgency to get you to act without thinking. These are classic scam tactics. Don’t be rushed. Instead, forward the email to our InfoSec team for verification.

Smishing: A Bad Text to Chew On

Scammers will try to get your information, and they’ll try to get you to act quickly. But remember, no one from Wake Forest University will ask you for your private or sensitive information via text.

Here are a few tips to keep your mobile device safe and secure:

• 📣Be Aware: Stay cautious of unexpected text messages and calls. Don’t respond or click any links you aren’t expecting to receive. 
• 📣Keep Your Apps Fresh: Outdated apps can have security vulnerabilities. Make sure you have your apps set to automatically update to stay secure.
• 📣Wipe Your Digital Plate Clean: Delete apps you no longer use. It’s a great way to reduce the likelihood of a security attack.

Oops! You Clicked It, What to do Now?

First, don’t feel defeated. We know how sophisticated these scams are. The important thing is that you take action. We’re here to help you get back in control.

If you suspect you’ve clicked a phishing link or responded to a scam, here are the two most important steps to take:

• 🚨Don’t Stare at Your Ceiling, Take Action! The first thing you should do is contact the Information Systems Security Team right away at infosec@wfu.edu. Our team is here to help you navigate the situation and take the right steps to secure your account.
• 🚨Dance It Out and Secure Your Account. Google offers a personalized Security Checklist for your account. This tool provides recommendations and a quick check-up to ensure your account is safe and secure for the future. You can see personalized recommendations from Google to make your account more secure in the future.