Recently, data security incidents have occurred at multiple large research institutions. It’s a reminder that even well-resourced institutions are not immune to cyberattacks. These incidents highlight a growing reality: universities and colleges are prime targets. Learn what steps you can take to protect our community and your information.
Trinity can be a target, too. As one of the nation’s oldest colleges, we manage personal, financial, and academic information that our community trusts us to protect. Our systems connect students, faculty, staff, and partners, making us an appealing target for those looking to exploit data, disrupt operations, or gain access for financial or political reasons.
What you need to know
Cybercriminals rely on social engineering to trick us by sending convincing messages, asking for credentials, or exploiting trust. They exploit what makes us human: curiosity, helpfulness, and distraction.
The reality is that anyone can be targeted, and anyone can be fooled.
Phishing attempts today are sophisticated and often look legitimate. When we’re moving fast, it’s easy to overlook the signs. That’s why cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility. Each of us plays a part in protecting Trinity College and the community that depends on it.
Here’s how you can help:
- Click with caution. Pause before opening links or attachments, even if a message looks legitimate. Follow a calm approach: “Recognize, Relax, Rethink” when reviewing suspicious emails.
- Verify requests. If someone you don’t know asks for information, money, or access, stop and confirm through a trusted source. Don’t reply directly to the message or text.
- Report suspicious email. Use the Phish Alert Button (PAB) in Outlook to alert the Information Security team. You can also report issues like lost or stolen devices through the IT Service Desk.
- Stay informed. Watch for updates from the Information Security team and IT Help Desk. We share short, best practices and tips to help you stay cyber-smart at Trinity and beyond. By staying alert and clicking with caution, you help protect Trinity’s mission and community.
Ready to boost your cyber know-how?
Learn how to spot and stop modern social engineering tactics in the video 2026 Your Role: Internet Security and You at Trinity, a quick and practical look at how to stay ahead of evolving threats.
Then join the National Cybersecurity Alliance’s webinar, Holiday Deals or Steals? Avoiding Online Shopping Scams on Tuesday, November 19, at 2 p.m. ET to learn how to recognize fake websites, verify deals, and protect your money this holiday season.
Scammers love the holidays as much as we do… just for different reasons. Learn how to spot fake websites, verify deals, and protect your money while shopping online.
