Topic of the Week
Welcome to our "Topic of the Week" section, where we spotlight key issues in security, privacy, audit, risk, and compliance. Each week, we look into a relevant topic, offering insights and strategies to help navigating the ever-evolving landscape of regulations and best practices.
Ghosts in Your Google Drive (and Other University Spaces)?
As the year continues to zoom by, we find ourselves nearing the end of October already - it is prime spooky season. You may celebrate Halloween and have some decorative ghosts or skeletons at home, but have you considered that there may be some ghosts lurking in your university spaces? DATA RETENTION! Who said that?!
Oversharer? Better over coffee.
Social media has become pretty much second nature for most of us. We share moments, big and small, with a few taps. Posting a dorm move-in video, your first day at a new job, or that perfect photo at McKeldin Mall is fun, social, and it keeps us connected with friends and family no matter where they are.The problem is that, sometimes, those same posts can reveal more than we intend, not just to classmates or followers, but to scammers, identity thieves, and even cybercriminals looking for easy targets.
Multi-Factor Authentication--What is it, really?
As our article last week mentioned, it’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month! To celebrate, we will talk about various cybersecurity awareness topics during the month of October. This week is all about multi-factor authentication (MFA)--What is it? Why does it matter? Do I seriously need to use it? Let's get right into it.
It’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Y’all!
What a good month: pumpkin spice everything, morning runs that finally let you breathe without 98% humidity, and, of course, Cybersecurity Awareness Month!Every October, for the past 20 years, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has spotlighted simple ways people can protect themselves online. The goal is to show how small, everyday actions reduce risks when we’re online or using connected devices.
TikTok Ban - Update
It is officially fall - that means the color of the leaves are changing, the air is getting more crisp, the sun is setting sooner, and, oh… TikTok isn't getting banned? On September 25, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order that permits TikTok to continue operating in the United States. While this is a step in the right direction (if you like TikTok, and consider this to be the “right” move), it does not completely diminish the possibility of the app facing a nationwide ban.
September is the New New Year: Cyber-Readiness for Back-to-School
Whether you’re starting fresh with new notebooks and planners, or just trying to remember your teaching schedule, the season of sharpened pencils and late-night study and grading sessions is officially here.