Dear York College Community, In light of current international events and the historical pattern of increased cyber activity during periods of geopolitical tension, we are reminding all members of our campus community to remain especially vigilant regarding cybersecurity best practices. While there is no specific threat directed at York College at this time, higher education institutions are frequently targeted during periods of global instability due to the open and collaborative nature of our environment. Out of an abundance of caution, the Office of Information Technology is actively monitoring network activity, reviewing system safeguards, and coordinating with CUNY Central and appropriate security partners to ensure the continued protection of our systems and data. Immediate Reminders Be cautious of unexpected emails, especially those referencing current global events, urgent requests, or unfamiliar links and attachments. Do not click on suspicious links or download unexpected files. Verify unusual requests for financial transactions, credential confirmations, or sensitive data. Ensure multi-factor authentication (MFA) is enabled on all eligible systems. Report suspicious emails immediately using the “Report Phishing” feature or by contacting the IT Service Desk.
For Faculty and Staff Confirm that departmental contact lists and administrative access points are current. Avoid sharing sensitive institutional information through personal email accounts. Ensure laptops and devices are updated and not overdue for patches. Report any unusual system behavior immediately.
For Technology and Security Personnel Continue heightened monitoring of network traffic and authentication anomalies. Review backup integrity and incident response readiness. Maintain coordination between IT Security and Campus Public Safety to ensure operational continuity.
Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Periods of international tension often lead to opportunistic phishing campaigns, misinformation attempts, and automated intrusion efforts that target large institutions without discrimination. Our strength is in preparation, communication, and discipline. Office of Information Technology Greg Vega Interim Assistant Vice President / Chief Information Officer York College
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