Cybersecurity Updates

Welcome to the Cybersecurity Updates page—your monthly hub for the latest security alerts, awareness campaigns, and digital safety tips curated by Purdue IT.

Stay ahead of emerging threats and learn how to protect your data, devices, and identity. This page is updated regularly with new content, so check back often or subscribe to stay informed!

DECEMBER UPDATES

12/08/2025

Travel Safety Precautions

Protect data while traveling: secure devices, avoid public Wi-Fi/USBs, and post later.

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SEPTEMBER UPDATES

09/01/2025

When MFA Isn't Enough

MFA boosts security but isn’t foolproof. Use authenticator apps, not SMS. Reject unexpected prompts, store backup codes in a password manager, back up MFA on multiple devices, and review session logs to block suspicious access.

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AUGUST UPDATES

08/08/2025

Beware Of Steganography

Steganography hides malware in innocent-looking files like images or audio. Attackers use it to bypass security filters. Opening such files can trigger hidden code. To stay safe, scan files with antivirus tools, avoid suspicious downloads, and use deep file inspection. Awareness is crucial to defend against these hidden threats.

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JULY UPDATES

07/07/2025

DCSA Launches New Personnel Vetting

DCSA's Personnel Security directorate has reorganized into the new Personnel Vetting directorate to align with Trusted Workforce 2.0. This change enhances efficiency, trust, and customer service through a capabilities-based structure, focused on proactive protection, continuous improvement, and innovation in personnel vetting across the U.S. government.

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07/07/2025

Passkey Adoption: End Of Passwords

Passwords are fading as apps now let you sign in with a passkey instead of typing secrets. Passkeys sync across devices and use your phone or biometrics such as face or fingerprint to prove it is really you. Because there is no static secret to steal, phishing, credential stuffing, and reuse attacks lose their power. Each login already carries built in multi factor security since it needs both the device and your biometric match. Start enabling passkeys on Google Apple Microsoft PayPal and Amazon accounts and teach others that passkeys are the safer default until passwords disappear worldwide for good.

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JUNE UPDATES

06/16/2025

AI-Generated Phishing Is Here

AI crafted phishing emails now mimic flawless grammar and pressure you with vague urgent subjects, so perfect writing alone is no safety sign. To spot them, hover over every link before clicking to reveal the true address, and rely on strong spam filters plus multi factor authentication in case you slip. Strengthen your defences by adding AI generated bait to internal phishing drills so staff can practice spotting traps. When a message feels off, step away from the inbox and confirm the request through a trusted phone call or contact you already know. Stay alert, question urgency, protect accounts daily.

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MAY UPDATES

05/19/2025

Cyber Threats Defense

Cyber threats never stand still, so your defenses cannot either. Start by ditching passwords in favor of passkeys that resist phishing and cannot be reused. Wherever possible, turn on multi factor authentication, ideally with an authenticator or hardware token, because text messages are no longer safe. Keep an eye on your digital footprint by using breach alert services and removing personal data from broker sites. Regularly install updates for every device and application; delayed patches leave the door unlocked. Finally, be skeptical of polished emails, AI makes phishing look flawless, so verify links before clicking or replying every time online.

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