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!
Announcing our new quarterly security newsletter! One of the best ways to protect yourself in the changing cybersecurity landscape is to stay informed. Get all of the latest tips, tricks, updates and news directly to your inbox by signing up. Subscribe today
Tax Fraud & Identity Theft Awareness
As the new year begins, so does a new season - tax season. January through April is prime time for identity thieves looking to file fraudulent tax returns. Criminals often target their victims just before or after companies issue W-2 statements.
Secure UCSB Program
As a world-class institution, UC Santa Barbara is committed to safeguarding the privacy of our community, and the evolving digital landscape requires enhanced protections to secure sensitive personal, financial, academic, and research information. Secure UCSB is an initiative to invest in critical technology updates during the upcoming academic year to protect our campus from rapidly evolving cybersecurity threats.
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.
General Security Resources
Find information about identifying and avoiding phishing scams, managing passwords, or tips to secure your personal information.
Visit here if you have Ransomware on your device or if you would like additional Ransomware resources!
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.
Security News
Employee Spotlight: Anthony Valentino
Learn all about Anthony Valentino, who has worked extensively with IT departments across universities in California for 20 years.
Digital Spring Cleaning
Keep your digital life tidy with these spring cleaning tips!
New Smishing Scam Targeting Students
Protect yourself from a new scam targeting students via text message, threatening to deactivate their accounts.
An Interview with Olivia Davis: Building Cybersecurity Awareness Through Education and Creativity at UCSB
Learn all about Olivia Davis, who educates students, staff, and faculty about cybersecurity risks, best practices, and emerging threats through informative articles (like this one!) and other channels
Artificial Intelligence Security and Privacy Awareness
Learn about the security and privacy implications of AI, and why you should use tools like Google Gemini and NotebookLM, which are approved for UCSB employees with data protection under UC policies. Refresh your knowledge of best practices for non-approved AI services.
Stay Safe While Shopping Online: Tips and Best Practices
Online shopping scams spike during the holiday season, with 73% of Americans having experienced an online scam. Common threats include fake websites, phishing emails, insecure transactions, and counterfeit or undelivered items. The article urges shoppers to stay vigilant and provides tips for safe shopping.
Beware of Scareware!
The Office of Information Security wants to warn the campus community about an emerging threat known as scareware, which is a type of malware attack that claims to have found a virus on the victim’s devices and urges them to download what they believe is anti-malware software.
Navigating New California Consumer Data Rights: Privacy and Cybersecurity Mandates
Learn about new privacy laws enacted across various states in 2025 and 2026, with a specific focus on California's Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) regulations, which introduce mandates for Automated Decision-Making Technology (ADMT), risk assessments, and cybersecurity audits to enhance consumer data rights.
Don't Get Fooled: Your Guide to Spotting Deepfakes
Read up on deepfakes--what they are, how to spot them, and how to combat them.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025: UCSB Events
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month! Join experts in the field for a series of events designed to help you protect yourself online.
An Interview With Jennifer Mehl, Associate CISO
Learn all about Jennifer Mehl, Associate CISO & Director of Security Operations and Engineering
Cybersecurity Scams and Safety Tips for Students
As students come back to UC Santa Barbara for fall quarter, read all about the latest scams that are targeting them, and learn what they can do to protect themselves.
An Interview with Todd Atkins, Cybersecurity Pioneer
Todd Atkins has been working in cybersecurity for as long as the field has existed. Read all about his professional triumphs, advice for those interested in the field, and hobbies outside of the office.
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 ITS. Here are some places to start.
Jackson Muhirwe, CISO & Executive Director of Information Security drjackson@ucsb.edu
Jennifer Mehl, Associate CISO & Director of Security Operations jennifer.mehl@ucsb.edu
Security Operations Center (SOC) security@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.