Cyber Goose lands on the banks of the Red Cedar to promote cybersecurity awareness
Cyber Goose is the newest member of the Spartan community, here to help raise awareness about online safety and help keep the Spartan community secure. You’ll spot him spreading the word about cybersecurity throughout the year.
Understanding standard cybersecurity practices is the best way to safeguard against potential cyber threats. Even if you don’t think you have sensitive information to steal, cyber attackers could use your accounts or devices as an open door to MSU systems.
Knowledge is your best defense against hackers. Don’t wing it — follow these steps to keep yourself and the MSU community safe:
Beware of phishing scams
- Spot scammers’ tricks in emails, texts, and calls to steal your personal info.
- Beware of false urgency, odd requests, poor grammar and typos.
- Verify each link before you click.
- Confirm the validity of email addresses and phones numbers – scammers often spoof legitimate entities.
Create a strong passphrase 
- Create unique passphrases; short sentences or a series of words.
- Don’t share logins or your Spartan Card.
- Set up and use multifactor authentication.
Update software and keep data private
- Cyberthreats change fast — operating systems, antiviruses, and apps need regular updates to be prepared to fight them off.
- Manage access permissions appropriately to keep your data private.
- Perform regular (or auto) data backups to ensure you don’t lose anything valuable.
How to get help
- If you suspect your MSU account has been compromised, immediately change your password and contact MSU IT Service Desk at (517) 432-6200.
- Forward suspicious emails to your MSU inbox to abuse@msu.edu.
- If you’re unsure, call the source directly using the number from their website to verify (never use the links or numbers in a suspicious message).
Learn more about cybersecurity at secureit.msu.edu. Explore past awareness campaigns like Cybersecurity Street Trivia and Secure State.
