Report an Information Security Incident

Report suspected information security incidents immediately to Palo Alto University Information Technology Department.

 

1. Send email with details to support@paloaltou.edu. Palo Alto University staff will contact you with next steps.
2. If a specific computer, device or server is involved:

• Leave the device powered on.
• Disconnect the device from the network (unplug network cable or turn off WiFi).
• Do not use or clean the device. Computer forensics work best when the system is left alone. If you attempt to "fix" a compromised system it may interfere with our ability to determine the severity of an incident.

Recognize an Information Security Incident

An information security incident is any activity which may involve:

• Misuse of technology to compromise the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of information resources.
• Threats can come in the form of technology bsaed attacks such as viruses, malware, phishing, denial of service, etc... Or can also take the form of social engineering attempts to gain access to your user credentials through impersonation or misidentity.
• Phsyical loss or theft of a University-owned computer (or a personal computer/device storing University Data).

Examples include:

• Exposure of confidential or private data (including paper), accidental or inadvertent e-mail, social media, or posting of data on a web site.
• Suspected abuse/misuse of @paloaltou.edu accounts.
• Spam and email forgery that originates from or is relayed through paloaltou.edu
• Any type of email or harrassment utilizing information technology resources at the University.
• Suspected information technology policy violation as described in the computer and network acceptable use policy

Symptoms to watch for include, but are not limited to:

• Unwanted browser toolbars, homepage, or plug-ins appear.
• Your computer or device becomes abnormally slow and new applications or programs appear without prior authorization.
• Your computer is unexpectedly running slower than normal and you see strange behavior while working on your system. (pop-ups, strange notificaitons, etc...)
• Frequently accessed websites no longer load or redirect you to sites you don't normally visit.
• Programs are installed such as antivirus software without you wanting them installed.

If you suspect that your system or accounts have been compromised please contact support@paloaltou.edu or call 650-433-3832 for immediate assistance.