The following email message was sent to Rutgers faculty and staff on July 8, 2025.
Dear Members of the Rutgers Community:
While summer often brings a chance to relax, cyber criminals aren’t taking a vacation. In fact, large institutions like Rutgers—especially those with complex technology systems, clinical environments, and research data—are increasingly being targeted. Recent global events have only heightened these threats, prompting government agencies to issue alerts to stay vigilant.
Protecting Rutgers systems—and your own data—depends on all of us. The Office of Information Technology is encouraging you to learn how to spot common cyber attacks and take advantage of the cybersecurity training and resources available to the university community. A little awareness goes a long way in keeping Rutgers secure.
Question unusual, unexpected, or urgent requests
Cyber attackers often try to create a sense of panic to get access to user accounts or financial details. They do this by impersonating people you trust, like a member of your leadership team. Don’t fall for it. Be suspicious of strange or urgent requests and learn how to protect yourself from spear phishing.
Think before you click
Hesitate before clicking links, opening attachments, or scanning QR codes. These can easily be used for malicious purposes. Not sure? Then don’t click.
Learn how to spot phishing scams
Did you receive an account suspension email or a request from a leader for a bizarre favor? Both could be attempts to phish for your data. Don’t be fooled. Visit the Phish Bowl to become a pro at spotting these scams.
Verify email addresses
Check that the sender’s email is legitimate. Cybercriminals often masquerade as a trusted source, using email addresses that look similar to a Rutgers email or one from a vendor. If the email message seems suspicious in any way, you can always verify the request through another method, like a phone call or text.
Know how to report suspicious activity
Did you get a phishing email or receive an unprompted Duo request? Don’t click, act immediately. Even if you’re unsure, reporting suspicious requests to abuse@rutgers.edu is crucial to resolving potential threats quickly.
Keep up with cyber training
Cybersecurity training, provided by KnowBe4, is available to Rutgers faculty and staff. The training is delivered through short, topic-specific modules and takes under 35 minutes to complete. Completing the training provides practical skills to recognize threats.
Thank you for your continued efforts to keep the university safe and secure.
Guy J. Albertini
Associate Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer
Office of Information Technology