¾«¶«´«Ã½’s Cybersecurity Center, featuring a Cybersecurity Lab and Security Operations Center, provides students with hands-on learning experiences to develop critical thinking and technological skills for real-world cybersecurity challenges.
Cybersecurity has become an important issue both nationally and locally. Recently, nearly 40 residents attended the Campus Connect event at the newsUniversity Store, where experts shared insights on cybersecurity threats and best practices. Speakers included Dr. Speretta, newsPolice Detective Brian Griffin, and Sergeant Jenna Wellington.
Dr. Speretta highlighted the sheer volume of cyber threats, noting that over 3.4 billion spam emails are sent daily, accounting for nearly 48% of all emails in 2022. While phishing scams make up only 1%, they remain a major issue across all demographics. “Every minute, $17,700 is lost due to phishing attacks,” he warned.
Detective Griffin, who frequently handles cybercrime cases, emphasized that most originate from fraudulent emails and misleading pop-ups. “It happens all the time,” he said, adding that many local departments lack the resources to investigate these crimes.
To help attendees spot scams, Sergeant Wellington advised checking the sender’s email address before clicking links. Common phishing attempts include fake emails from "Amazoon.com," fraudulent Easy Pass bills, and deceptive Medicare offers. She stressed that even the most cautious individuals can fall victim when distracted.
“You can be hyper-vigilant 99 percent of the time, but all it takes is that one percent—when you’re distracted or not paying attention,” Detective Griffin cautioned.
The discussion also covered social media and romance scams, with Griffin recounting cases where victims lost anywhere from thousands to millions of dollars. Wellington urged online daters to use Google reverse image searches, verify names, and be wary of individuals who avoid meeting in person. “Victims are often highly intelligent people—it can happen to anyone,” she said, encouraging those affected to seek help without embarrassment.
The speakers also warned about digital privacy risks, urging attendees to reconsider actions like:
- Linking phones to cars
- Charging devices at public stations
- Logging into streaming accounts at hotels
- Using public Wi-Fi
Dr. Speretta advised minimizing the number of online accounts requiring personal information and reducing one’s digital footprint. “Almost every company will be hacked at some point, so it’s crucial to stay vigilant,” Griffin added.
By the end of the session, attendees left with practical cybersecurity strategies and resources, including the Federal Trade Commission’s consumer advice section and local police fraud prevention programs.
To see a schedule of upcoming monthly Campus Connect events or other events, like author visits, held at the newsUniversity Store, visit the .
