Fall 2025

With the new school year beginning, I'm thrilled to introduce our Fall 2025 Security Newsletter. In this edition, we cover UCSB’s ninth year participating in UC Cybersecurity Awareness Month (UCCAM) as part of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Each October, we come together to promote awareness by educating faculty, staff, students, and our broader community on how to stay safe online.

As the academic year gets underway, cybercriminals often take advantage of the busy back-to-school season with scams targeting students who are juggling housing, classes, and job searches. We also provide basic but essential cyber hygiene tips to prepare both students and faculty for the upcoming school year. 

We’re excited to feature Jennifer Mehl in our Information Security Spotlight series. Jennifer shares about her experience in the industry and tips for those are interested in a security career. While Cybersecurity Awareness Month highlights the importance of staying secure in October, our work continues year-round. 

Have a safe, secure, and productive fall quarter!

Sincerely,
Jackson
CISO

This October marks UCSB’s ninth year participating in UC Cybersecurity Awareness Month (UCCAM), a part of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. We hope to promote awareness about cybersecurity by educating faculty, staff, students, and other members of our community about ways to protect themselves and the campus. 

We encourage everyone to participate in Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Visit our campus UCCAM events page for registration information and details on virtual events hosted by UCSB this month.

Jennifer Mehl, Associate Chief Information Security Officer and Director of Security Operations, is the latest feature in our OIS Employee Spotlight series. Jennifer has built an impressive career in information security, leading the team responsible for protecting campus resources and people. In this interview, she shares her path into cybersecurity, the biggest risks the field faces today, and her advice for students and professionals interested in entering the industry.

College students are frequent targets for cyber scams, especially during the back-to-school season when classes, housing, and job searches create an overload of new information. Cybercriminals take advantage of this busy time with schemes designed to trick students into giving away money or personal information. Learn more about scams targeting students and how students can stay cyber safe this school year.

Always think twice before clicking on links or opening attachments, even if they look like they are from someone you know. If you are not sure, contact the sender by a method you know is legitimate to confirm they sent it.

If you receive a request for personal information, always verify that it is legitimate. Remember, scammers know how to pose as common organizations and institutions or individuals you may know.

Make your passwords long and strong, never reveal them to anyone, and use different passwords for different accounts. Also, use multi-factor authentication (MFA) when possible.

If you believe you've received a phishing message, submit an incident report to Information Technology Services. 

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If there is content or feedback you have, please let us know. You can send a quick message to security-awareness@ucsb.edu