Cyber Attacks

YOU COULD BE A VICTIM OF A CYBER ATTACK

Cybercriminals are always watching and waiting for you to let your guard down.

It only takes one weak link to infiltrate an entire organization. As UC Riverside’s first line of defense, you have the power and responsibility to stop cybercriminals.

The cybersecurity awareness hub delves into the increasing risks faced by higher education institutions in the digital realm. More importantly, from these real-life incidents you will learn how to fortify your cybersecurity defenses so you can take an active stance against cyberattacks.

BE ALERT: UNIVERSITIES ARE CONSTANTLY TARGETED BY CYBERCRIMINALS

True accounts of Higher Education Institutions falling victim to cyber attacks.

June 24, 2025

Fellow UC Hit by Cyberattack Targeted at Third-Party Service Provider

The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) suffered a data breach linked to a cyberattack against Accellion, a third-party service contracted by UC for secure file transfers.

Broken Glass with a gloved hand trying to reach in the glass

June 20, 2024

Ransomware Attack Forces Permanent Closure of 157-Year-Old College

Hackers breached the college’s systems and gained access to institutional data, halting school operations.

June 19, 2024

University Operations Shut Down and Classes Canceled after Ransomware Attack

Hackers breached the university’s systems, encrypting critical data and disrupting campus activities.

May 14, 2024

Cybercriminals Expose Universities' Sensitive Data

A ransomware group exploited a vulnerability found in a software product used for file transfers, breaching sensitive data repositories and compromising confidential information.

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM ATTACKS

Follow these tips and tricks to remain cybersafe

Keep Your Devices Secure and Up-to-Date

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Set up automatic updating for applications
When prompted to update apps or your operating system, do so promptly
Make sure you have the latest anti-virus and anti-malware software installed

Think About What You Install

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Only install software from reputable sources
Do not install unauthorized applications and software
Remove software and applications you are not using

Use Caution with Email and Text

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Avoid clicking links, opening attachments, or even opening emails from people you don’t trust
Think before you download anything and assess the trustworthiness of the file you will download
Always report suspicious activity. For more information, watch this video.

Keep Your Passwords Safe and Updated

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Don’t leave your passwords anywhere they can be seen by others
Make sure you periodically change your passwords. This is especially important after a data breach.

Always Use Strong Passwords

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Make sure your passwords maintain these criteria:

Use UPPERCASE LETTERS
Use lowercase letters
Use numb3rs
Use $pecial Ch@racter$
At least 12 characters long
Not based on personal information
Unique for each account that you have
Not a recycled password

Connect Safely to Networks and Applications

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Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

Whether you are connecting to the internet through a public shared network or a private network, using Virtual Private Networking or VPN is the best method to keep your data as secure as possible.

Multi Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA, or two-step authentication, is available for many platforms you probably already use. MFA is also a requirement to access secure UCR systems.

Report A Security Concern

UC Riverside is a prime target of cybercriminal attacks such as phishing, ClickFix campaigns, job offer scams, and ransomware.

If you notice suspicious activity on your UCR account, computer, tablet, or mobile device, please report it immediately to the ITS Information Security Office.

REPORT A SECURITY CONCERN

EMAIL ABUSE@UCR.EDU

Want to make sure your data is safe, but don't know where to begin?

This video provides simple steps you can take towards making sure your data is secure.

This video introduces PhishAlarm to the UCR campus by explaining what it is, how to use it, and how to get additional information.