Cyber Security Awareness Initiative

This past year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of Information Technology (OIT) observed an advanced persistent threat to University systems and an increase in phishing and social engineering scams.

OIT is committed to protecting valuable and sensitive data of our students, faculty, and staff. To assist the University Community in this effort, OIT and Human Resources (HR) are pleased to announce a new Cyber Security Awareness Initiative.

This initiative includes:

• A new dedicated Cyber Security Website. 
• “Lunch Time Learn” sessions focused on information security, password security, data privacy, mobile device security and more.
• Phishing Simulation Campaigns to educate members of the University community about phishing scams. (Phishing simulation is a program used to send realistic phishing email to employees to gauge their awareness of attacks and what to do with phishing emails when they receive them.)

Every time you log into your computer, you become a member of our Cyber Security Defense Team. When you avoid clicking on a link sent by an unfamiliar source, you strengthen our defenses. When you decline to provide sensitive information to an unauthorized person, or when you protect your laptop or smartphone, you help keep yourself and Mercy University secure.

As a reminder: See Something, Say Something!

Often your sharp eyes, ears and minds are our best defense. If you see something suspicious, please immediately report it to the OIT Helpdesk by emailing helpdesk@mercy.edu or calling 914-674-7526.

Thank you for your commitment to information security and data privacy.

Camille Shelley                                                Whitley Humes
Chief Information Officer                               Director, HRIS Human Resources