We use the Internet at work, home, for enjoyment, and to connect with those close to us. However, being constantly connected brings increased risk of theft, fraud, and abuse. Universities, which are characterized by their openness based on academic freedom, are among the most widely attacked targets. The University takes steps to ensure the security of our infrastructure and systems, but cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and everyone can take a few simple steps to make the Internet more secure!
UCSB Ransomware Readiness Plan
Ransomware is a growing threat across the world and to our campus. Ransomware happens when criminals infect your computer with malware that scrambles all your files and leaves you a ransom note demanding payment to recover your data.
Your best defense against ransomware is a good backup.
To address this evolving threat we have been working with a team from across campus to develop a Ransomware Readiness Plan for UCSB. This newly developed plan will go into effect on May 24, 2020.
Security For Faculty & Staff
Find more information for important security topics such as data backups and storage, phishing scams and information technology security best practices specifically relevant to faculty and staff at UC Santa Barbara.
Security For Students
Discover relevant security information for topics such as social media and password management best practices to help you be safe and prepared to handle IT security situations as a UC Santa Barbara student.
UC Security Policy
The University of California ratified systemwide policy BFB IS-3 Information Security in October 2019. IS-3 is an overarching policy that is supported by nine technical standards. The collective governance is based on ISO 27001 and 27002 standards and closely follows their form.
Report a Security Incident
Information Security encourages UCSB computer and network users to report all email abuses as well as computer intrusions and other hostile activity to our Network Security Team. With your help we can better mitigate the security risks around campus.
Report Harassing or Unwanted Email
We encourage UCSB computer and network users to report email abuses as well as computer intrusions and other hostile activity.
Report Scanning, Hacking, and Other Hostile Activity
We take matters of hacking and other hostile activity seriously and will investigate all reports of abusive activity.
Report Lost or Stolen Computer Device
Complete this form to report your lost or stolen device to the Network Security Team. If this is an emergency, please contact the local authority.
News & Events
Data Privacy and You
It is important to ensure that the digital “you” matches what you intend to share. It is also important to keep what’s private, private, for yourself and when you share about others. Owning your online presence will help to protect your identity, finances, and reputation – both now and in the future!
New Login Screen to Access Campus Resources
On March 7, 2020, UCSB Enterprise Technology Services (ETS) will release the upgraded Single Sign-On (SSO) service. SSO is the service that enables our community to log in to many campus systems including Electronic Timekeeping and UCPath. The SSO upgrade prepares the Identity infrastructure for future modernization.
Back to School Cybersecurity
Over 200,000 UC students will be starting classes over the next couple of months. The new school year is an exciting time for students, faculty, and staff. It’s also an exciting time for hackers, identity thieves, and other unscrupulous types who take advantage of people during this busy time of year.
Phishing for Gift Cards
In the past few weeks, the campus experienced a rash of phishing attacks. The most common form is a short message that starts with something like, "quick help needed," "are you in the office?," or "available?" - Anything to attract a response. The messages often appear to come from vice chancellors, deans, and department chairs.
Cyber-Smart Traveling
Traveling today is so much easier with technology -- whether it’s to the coffee shop around the corner or to a café in Paris. Unfortunately, traveling with devices can mean increased cyber risks for keeping your personal and University information private, as well as the potential for device theft.
Digital Spring Cleaning
Many of us are familiar with the concept of spring cleaning. This year, consider taking some time to spring clean your digital life, too. Just like your home, your digital life can become cluttered; things pile up, get out of date, get lost, are no longer needed or need some care.
Password Best Practices
Passwords are the key to almost everything you do online, and you probably have multiple passwords that you use throughout the day. Choosing hard-to-hack passwords and managing them securely can sometimes seem inconvenient.
Security Personnel On Campus
Information Security at UCSB is a distributed effort shared among IT teams and individuals across campus. You can find key resources in your divisions, departments, and in ETS. Here are some places to start.
Office of the CIO
Sam Horowitz, CISO samh@ucsb.edu
Core IT (Enterprise Technology Services)
Kevin Schmidt, SOC manager kps@ucsb.edu
Security Operations Center (SOC) security@ucsb.edu
Administrative and Residential IT (ARIT)
Kip Bates, Associate CISO kip.bates@ucsb.edu
Student Affairs, SIS&T
Tom Lawton, ISO thomas.lawton@sa.ucsb.edu
UCSB Cyber Security Checkup
What better way to make sure you're secure with a cyber security checkup? View the documents below to follow best practices for securing your devices on or off-campus.