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The holidays are very appealing to hackers, which lead to an uptick in phishing and ransomware attacks.

Recently, a well-known technology company experienced a network security breach initiated through an employee’s personal Google account. The employee enabled password syncing via Google Chrome and saved their work credentials in their browser – synchronizing their work and personal passwords. The attackers compromised the personal account, and multiple corporate systems were accessed.

UT Southwestern departments have a responsibility to ensure that the technology they acquire first meets security and compliance requirements and is approved by the Information Systems Acquisition Committee (ISAC), which governs the acquisitions of information systems, software, and related equipment.

Personality tests, polls, and surveys on social media can contribute to impersonation and identity theft.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has warned of ongoing scams. Malicious links in emails or text messages are designed to trick recipients into sharing Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, or other personal information that could be used in identity theft or to file fraudulent tax claims.

"Nomophobia” or “no mobile phone phobia” is described as an overwhelming fear of not having access to a working cell phone. Symptoms are constantly checking for messages or notifications, phone use in inappropriate situations, and anxiety if no cell service is available.

Social engineering is a low-tech approach used by scammers to gain access to an organization’s information and resources.

Mobile devices and laptops are susceptible to theft and loss. The greatest risk to laptop security is typically leaving a computer in an unattended location such as an airport, hotel, restaurant, or inside a vehicle.

Dumpster diving is searching someone’s trash for information that can be used to launch a social engineering and/or computer system attack.

We might be gradually making our way back to an in-person world, but online browsing and social media are still defining the way we communicate.