10/06/2025

Dear members of the campus community,

Throughout October, Technology Services is championing Cybersecurity Awareness Month by equipping you with skills to stay safe online. We invite you to visit pugetsound.edu/CAM2025 for ways you can get involved.

Don’t get tricked!

This week, we are highlighting one of the most common threats everyone faces. Imagine that your phone rings and a voice claims to be from “IT” demanding your password to prevent losing access. It’s urgent, unexpected, and sounds real. But, it’s a scam.

Social engineering is a psychological attack where cybercriminals manipulate you into taking an action that isn't in your best interest, such as giving away sensitive information, logging in to a malicious website, or sending money. These scams can show up as emails, texts, phone calls, or messages on social media or other communication platforms. Often, scammers pretend to be a trustworthy source, such as a family member, well-known company, someone at work or school, or the IT department.

Remember the three "R's" to protect yourself:

  • Recognize red flags like urgent or emotional language and specific tips to detect phishing emails.
  • Resist the urge to act immediately. Take a moment to investigate or verify the source and trust your instincts if something feels off.
  • Report any suspicious messages to Technology Services using the Phish Alert Button or the support portal. Your report helps protect the entire community.

Your awareness is the most powerful tool we have to protect yourself and everyone around you. Ready to act? Report a phish and get a fish! Whether it’s a simulated or real phishing email, campus members who accurately report a phish using the Phish Alert Button in October will receive a small token of our appreciation for being a campus cyber hero.

Treat yourself by taking time for cyber self-care

We hope you’ll make the time for some cyber self-care this month! Not sure where to start? See if you can get bingo with ideas from our Cyber Self-Care Bingo!

We encourage you to register for live learning sessions happening this October. Sessions will include:

  • Make Your Move to Windows 11
  • Be a Data Hero! Tips on Using Campus Systems
  • Your To-Do List for Getting Rid of a Device

Campus members who attend a session will be entered to win a $25 Logger Store gift voucher!

Reminder: Windows 10 support is ending

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 in October 2025. Technology Services will begin to retire Windows 10 on campus computers starting this fall. Please help us stay secure and up-to-date by upgrading to Windows 11 this month if you are able. Future communications will be directed to individuals and departments still using Windows 10.

We are excited to engage with you this month as we explore easy ways to stay safe online. For more information, please visit pugetsound.edu/CAM2025.

Thank you,
Technology Services

TS Service Desk
Walk-In Support: Tech Center in Collins Library
Phone Support: 253.879.8585
Online Help: support.pugetsound.edu
Email Support: servicedesk@pugetsound.edu