About Information Security

The Office of Information Security is integral to the protection of data, campus technology resources and the existence of a safe computing environment for the university community. We work to safeguard against and respond to threats to Elon’s digital resources and networking infrastructure. We strive to bring you the latest information about phishing, scams and security alerts.  All Elon employess are required to:

  • Be aware of and read Elon’s Information Security Policies
  • Complete Security Awareness Training each academic year

We encourage you to use this site to educate yourself, share what you learn and be diligent in protecting your identity, your devices and university data. And remember – Information Technology and IT Support Services will never ask for your personal information.

Information Security & AI

The security challenges associated with AI parallel the cybersecurity challenges associated with previous generations of software. The biggest challenge being the burden of security and privacy remains with the customer so we all must continue to follow fundamental security practices when using AI or AI-powered software products. Please refrain from entering personal, confidential or regulated data or information into AI platforms such as Copilot, ChatGPT and the plethora of AI products offered to consumers as you may put your privacy, as well as Elon’s security and compliance at risk.

Latest Information Security Threats

Listed below are the more common phishing threats students and employees may become exposed to. Knowing how to detect, respond and recover from these phishing threats will minimize personal risk and risk to the University. Please review this list and if you get any of these types of messages, please delete them. If you are unsure if you should delete them, forward the message to infosec@elon.edu or contact the Technology Service Desk at (336) 278-5200.

  • Spoofed emails can come from a colleague, professor, department, or a person in authority. Ensure the name and email address on the message correspond.  Spoofed emails are NOT an indication that the account has been hacked. Common spoofed emails include Gift Card Scams and Money Transfer Scams.
  • Beware of fake job offers and understand how student job offers are advertised and processed at the university.
  • Beware of fake transcript offers and understand how students should obtain a copy of their transcripts.
  • Beware of fake computer account warnings and know that Elon will never threaten that your computer account will be suspended or deleted.
  • Beware of any message marked “Urgent” or messages that sound threatening as phishers use that technique to scare individuals into acting quickly.
  • Beware of any message that asks you to provide sensitive information such as your user-id, password, SSN# or banking information as NO legitimate company will ask you to share these over e mail or a text message. Emails requesting credentials to access a file are often phishing emails,.
  • Beware of email messages that request credentials for spoofed Google or SharePoint file sharing.  Unless you verbally confirm the request with the sender, you should delete the message.
  • Phishing is not just for email anymore. Phishing now happens via texting, phone calling, and voicemail.

Knowing Elon’s business practices for job postings, transcript requests, HR procedures, file sharing practices and computer account changes and updates are your best protection against getting phished!