Cybersecurity: Level up! Using strong passwords and a password manager

Level 2: Passwords – Long, Unique and Complex

Level up your cybersecurity. LLCC cybersecurity awareness campaign logo.Welcome to Level 2. Don’t reuse the same password across websites. If one of those sites gets compromised, hackers will try that password on other sites as well. No matter the account, all passwords should be created with these three words in mind:

  • Long – At least 12 characters
  • Unique – Never reuse passwords. Each account needs its own unique password.
  • Complex – Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters. Some websites will even let you include spaces.

If you haven’t already, install a password manager — never write passwords down. Password managers not only let you manage all your online accounts’ unique passwords, but they have some other advantages:

  • Saves you time
  • Works across all your devices and operating systems
  • Protects your identity
  • Notifies you of potential phishing websites

Look for this week’s Level UP poster on bulletin boards around campus for additional information.

Thank you for keeping LLCC off the cybercriminal’s leader board.

Cybersecurity: Level up! Recognizing and reporting phishing

Level 1: See it, so you don’t click it.

Level up your cybersecurity. LLCC cybersecurity awareness campaign logo.Welcome to Level 1. This year, cybercriminals have sent over 3.3 billion phishing messages and caused over 4,000 data breaches, exposing over 22 billion personal records. Some of these probably impacted you personally. Our mission is to provide you with some quick tips on how to spot a phishing email. They contain:

  • An offer that’s too good to be true
  • Language that’s urgent, alarming or threatening
  • Poorly-crafted writing with misspellings and bad grammar
  • Greetings that are ambiguous or very generic
  • Requests to send personal information
  • Urgency to click on unfamiliar hyperlinks or attachment
  • Strange or abrupt business requests
  • A sending email address that doesn’t match the company it’s coming from

If you suspect an email is phishing, it’s best to report it. For more information and instructions on how to report a potential phishing email or if you believe you have experienced a cybersecurity breach read more here:

Cybersecurity : Lincoln Land Community College (llcc.edu)

Look for this week’s Level UP poster on bulletin boards around campus for additional information.

Thank you for keeping LLCC off the cybercriminal’s leader board.

Reminder: Complete mandatory cybersecurity awareness training by today

As a reminder, the fourth quarter module of the cybersecurity awareness training program with Infosec IQ runs through today, Sept. 30. It entails a series of three short training courses followed by an assessment for each. The courses focus on ransomware, physical security and data privacy. The purpose of this training is to raise awareness of the threats in our environment and to avoid costly data breaches.

All employees are required to complete this training by Sept. 30. Failing to comply may result in loss of LLCC network access privileges and disciplinary action per board policy “8.6 – Employee Discipline.”

Employees will be sent an email notifying them of enrollment in the course. The provided link will take the learner directly to their dashboard to complete the module.

The enrollment email will be coming from Infosec IQ Notifications <notifications@securityiq-notifications.com> with the subject “Start your security awareness training” Here is an example of what the email will look like:
Start your security awareness training. notifications@securityiq-notifications.com. To Cruz, Esteban A. If there are problems with how this message is displayed, click here to view it in a web browser. External email. LLCC Lincoln Land Community College logo. Hello Esteban, You have been enrolled in the LLCC - Fall 2022 (Q4) course, courtesy of Lincoln Land Community College. Please complete your training within the next 6 days. Start your training. Thank you, Lincoln Land Community College.

Posted in ITS |

Level up! October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Level up your cybersecurity. LLCC cybersecurity awareness campaign logo.October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month — our chance to sharpen our cybersecurity skills, learn ways to avoid security threats and have some fun while we’re at it!

Starting next month, we’re Leveling Up our cybersecurity training.

Each week, we’ll share helpful tips and resources to help you stay safe and secure on your online travels — at work and at home.

For hackers cybersecurity is a game. Learn more about it here:

If you have any questions about cybersecurity or spot something suspicious, ask us!  We’re here to help.

Look for a new Level UP poster on bulletin boards around campus each week during the month for additional information.

Game on!

Greg Matejka
IT Security and Assurance Manger

Reminder: Complete mandatory cybersecurity awareness training by Sept. 30

As a reminder, the fourth quarter module of the cybersecurity awareness training program with Infosec IQ runs through Friday, Sept. 30. It entails a series of three short training courses followed by an assessment for each. The courses focus on ransomware, physical security and data privacy. The purpose of this training is to raise awareness of the threats in our environment and to avoid costly data breaches.

All employees are required to complete this training by Sept. 30. Failing to comply may result in loss of LLCC network access privileges and disciplinary action per board policy “8.6 – Employee Discipline.”

Employees will be sent an email notifying them of enrollment in the course. The provided link will take the learner directly to their dashboard to complete the module.

The enrollment email will be coming from Infosec IQ Notifications <notifications@securityiq-notifications.com> with the subject “Start your security awareness training” Here is an example of what the email will look like:
Start your security awareness training. notifications@securityiq-notifications.com. To Cruz, Esteban A. If there are problems with how this message is displayed, click here to view it in a web browser. External email. LLCC Lincoln Land Community College logo. Hello Esteban, You have been enrolled in the LLCC - Fall 2022 (Q4) course, courtesy of Lincoln Land Community College. Please complete your training within the next 6 days. Start your training. Thank you, Lincoln Land Community College.

Posted in ITS |

IT welcomes you and provides important info

Dear faculty and staff,

The LLCC Information Technology (IT) Department would like to welcome all new and returning staff/faculty to LLCC! LincIn will be the primary form of communication to you from IT and other areas of the college. Should you have technical questions pertaining to your online account and/or the software applications offered by the college, the IT Help Desk is here to assist.

Contacting the IT Help Desk

Please contact us by phone, email, self-submit or walk-up.

  • Walk-up Assistance (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.): Sangamon Hall, Room 1132 (outside of the main library entrance)
  • Email: helpme@llcc.edu
  • Self-Submit Portal (and Knowledgebase) it.llcc.edu
  • Phone: 217-786-2555

IT Help Desk fall/spring hours

Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Please note the following:

  • When requesting assistance from the IT Help Desk, your LLCC Student ID number and/or a photo ID may be needed for verification.
  • The IT Help Desk is not permitted to install software of troubleshoot technology issues on your personal device(s).

Board Policies Chapter 10 – IT

Please be aware that it is the responsibility of all employees to familiarize themselves with the Board policies of the college. Policies 10.1 through 10.6 specifically pertain to Information Technology and the acceptable thereof. Please click the link below for a direct link to this policy section.
Chapter 10 Informational Technology (llcc.edu)

Account information

The college uses a single sign on (one username and one password) for all systems.

Please be aware of the difference between your username and email address when attempting to sign into applications.

Type When to use
Username To sign into computers on campus, connect to Wi-Fi and all other college applications except Microsoft 365.
Email Address Used only to log in to Microsoft 365 services.

Other technology available to you

The following applications are available on LLCC’s faculty and staff webpage.

  1. Faculty & Staff heading with following bullets: Email, Employee Portal, Employee Self-Service, Etrieve for Employees, KBOX forms, LLCC Alert, Virtual EMS.Email — Access to your llcc.edu email as well as to all Microsoft 365 services assigned to you (Word, Excel, Power Point, OneDrive and more).
  2. Employee Portal — Access to various SharePoint groups for business units and departments throughout LLCC.
  3. Employee Self Service — Includes:  course management and rosters, banking information, tax information, pay advices.
  4. Etrieve for Employees — Used for completing a certificate of absence or payroll timesheet.
  5. KBox Forms — Request forms for PRM, Facilities, Print Shop, Police Department.
  6. LLCC Alert — Emergency notification system. Your LLCC email address is automatically active at the start of each semester you are enrolled in a course. Add additional contact information at the start of each semester.
  7. Virtual EMS — The EMS platform is used for viewing room availability throughout campus.

Wireless connectivity

  1. On your smart device, choose the LLCC – Employee wireless network. This will prompt you to enter your online account username and password.
  2. Depending upon the type and OS version of your device, you may be prompted to enter your credentials as either llcc\username and password, llcc\email address and password or email address and password only.

Accept any certificates if prompted.

Please note that the LLCC – Guest Wi-fi will allow you to connect without entering authenticated credentials. You will be prompted to open your browser and accept the terms of use before continuing.

Posted in ITS |

Receive your cybersecurity training email?

LLCC employees should have received an email notifying them of enrollment in the latest cybersecurity training course. If you have not seen the email in your primary inbox, please look for it on your “Other” inbox or “Junk” folder.

If you cannot find it in any of those places, please contact the IT Help Desk at helpme@llcc.edu.

The email looks like this:
Start your security awareness training. notifications@securityiq-notifications.com. To Cruz, Esteban A. If there are problems with how this message is displayed, click here to view it in a web browser. External email. LLCC Lincoln Land Community College logo. Hello Esteban, You have been enrolled in the LLCC - Fall 2022 (Q4) course, courtesy of Lincoln Land Community College. Please complete your training within the next 6 days. Start your training. Thank you, Lincoln Land Community College.

Posted in ITS |

Mandatory cybersecurity awareness training Module 4 begins today

The fourth module of our cybersecurity awareness training program with Infosec IQ begins today, Aug. 22. The training will run through Sept. 30. This will entail a series of three short training courses and simulated phishing emails. The courses focus on ransomware, physical security and data privacy. The purpose of putting this training into place is to raise awareness to the threats in our environment and to avoid costly data breaches.

All employees are required to complete this training by Sept. 30. Failing to comply may result in loss of LLCC network access privileges and disciplinary action per board policy “8.6 – Employee Discipline.”

Employees will be sent an email notifying them of enrollment in the course. The provided link will take the learner directly to their dashboard to complete the module.

The enrollment email will be coming from Infosec IQ Notifications <notifications@securityiq-notifications.com> with the subject “Start your security awareness training” Here is an example of what the email will look like:
Start your security awareness training. notifications@securityiq-notifications.com. To Cruz, Esteban A. If there are problems with how this message is displayed, click here to view it in a web browser. External email. LLCC Lincoln Land Community College logo. Hello Esteban, You have been enrolled in the LLCC - Fall 2022 (Q4) course, courtesy of Lincoln Land Community College. Please complete your training within the next 6 days. Start your training. Thank you, Lincoln Land Community College.

Posted in ITS |

Mandatory cybersecurity awareness training Module 4 begins Aug. 22

The fourth module of our cybersecurity awareness training program with Infosec IQ begins Monday, Aug. 22. The training will run through Sept. 30. This will entail a series of three short training courses and simulated phishing emails. The courses focus on ransomware, physical security and data privacy. The purpose of putting this training into place is to raise awareness to the threats in our environment and to avoid costly data breaches.

All employees are required to complete this training by Sept. 30. Failing to comply may result in loss of LLCC network access privileges and disciplinary action per board policy “8.6 – Employee Discipline.”

Employees will be sent an email notifying them of enrollment in the course. The provided link will take the learner directly to their dashboard to complete the module.

The enrollment email will be coming from Infosec IQ Notifications <notifications@securityiq-notifications.com> with the subject “Start your security awareness training” Here is an example of what the email will look like:
Start your security awareness training. notifications@securityiq-notifications.com. To Cruz, Esteban A. If there are problems with how this message is displayed, click here to view it in a web browser. External email. LLCC Lincoln Land Community College logo. Hello Esteban, You have been enrolled in the LLCC - Fall 2022 (Q4) course, courtesy of Lincoln Land Community College. Please complete your training within the next 6 days. Start your training. Thank you, Lincoln Land Community College.

Posted in ITS |

Phishing alert

IT received a report of a spear phishing attack received by an employee via text (see screenshot below). The sender can impersonate any LLCC employee in future attempts. This is not a legitimate text message. It is a phishing attempt to defraud the recipient. We have seen a similar version of this scam via email, the favor being asked is typically to purchase gift cards for the sender.

If you receive a similar text message or email, do not engage with the sender. Contact the supposed LLCC employee using a different trusted channel to confirm this is not them and disregard the text message.

Text Message. Today 9:50 a.m. Morning. What is your availability at the moment? I need you to get something done for me at your disposal. Confirm you got this text. Thanks, Dee Krueger, Director, Lincoln Land Community College

If the message comes via email, please report and disregard.

Outlook Desktop — With the message selected, click on Report Message in the Ribbon. Select Phishing. The malicious email will be reported directly to Microsoft.

Outlook 365 — Select the email from the list and click on the Not Junk drop-down arrow. Select Phishing. The malicious email will be reported directly to Microsoft.

Reporting malicious and unsolicited emails makes LLCC’s email filtering system more effective.

Phishing is a common identity theft method used by fraudulent parties. NEVER send your personal information including passwords, user IDs, credit card numbers or a social security number via email. Passwords should NEVER be shared with ANYONE in any form.

To learn more about “phishing,” follow this link: https://llcconline.sharepoint.com/IT/SitePages/Cybersecurity.aspx

Please contact the IT Help Desk if you have any questions or concerns at helpme@llcc.edu or 217-786-2555.

Posted in ITS |