You’re checking emails between meetings when one pops up from HR asking you to download a file for payroll updates. The message looks official, but something feels off: the sender’s address is slightly wrong. You stop, think twice, and report it. In that moment, you haven’t just protected yourself, you’ve protected the whole UCT community.
That’s what cybersecurity is really about: everyday actions that keep us all safe. It isn’t just an ICTS issue or an individual responsibility. It’s something we do together. When we stay alert, report suspicious activity, and keep good habits going, we protect UCT’s reputation and safeguard the people whose information we hold.
Spotting common threats
Cybercriminals commonly use phishing emails, suspicious links, and fake websites to target individuals. They often create a sense of urgency with messages like, “Your account will be locked” or “You need to act immediately.” You can stop these attacks by slowing down and checking carefully. Always hover over links before clicking, check if shortened URLs are safe, double-check websites, and remain cautious with attachments, even if they appear to come from a colleague.
Reporting incidents quickly
If something feels suspicious, don’t ignore it. Reporting is simple and fast, and it can prevent a small problem from turning into a bigger one. When you pass details on to the IT Helpdesk – what you saw, where you saw it, and why it looked unusual – you’re giving the team the information they need to act quickly. Swift reporting limits the damage, prevents the same threat from reaching others, and gives everyone greater confidence that risks are being managed effectively. Quick action isn’t just about solving a single problem, it strengthens the overall security of the entire community.
Maintaining good security habits
Strong security isn’t built on one-off actions. It’s built on consistent, everyday habits such as locking your screen when you step away, keeping your software up to date, encrypting sensitive files before sharing them, and pausing to think before clicking a link.
Sometimes, that small pause is all it takes. Imagine receiving an email asking for confidential research data. Instead of forwarding it or clicking through, you double check, realise it’s suspicious, and report it. That single choice protects not only your work, but also the wider UCT community.
Supporting each other
Good cybersecurity is built on culture. Helping each other spot risks and take the right steps creates an environment where security becomes second nature. For instance, if you notice a suspicious link or unusual email activity, you can prevent a wider problem by taking a moment to alert your team members and reporting to the IT Helpdesk. Your quick action not only stops a potential threat but also encourages others to do the same, helping to building a culture of vigilance.
Together, we keep can keep our community safe online.