Security Hints + Tips

April 1, 2024

Don’t Be Fooled by Workspace Tools

Many organizations use platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, or Zoom to stay connected. Unfortunately, these trusted communication tools can lead to a false sense of security. Just like with traditional email, bad guys can use these platforms to launch a cyber attack.

Below are three examples of how cybercriminals use these platforms for phishing—and what you can do to keep your organization safe

Lurking

Recently, a cybercriminal gained access to an organization’s Microsoft Teams channel, which is similar to a group message or a chat room. The scammer lurked in the channel for nearly a year, reading messages, collecting data, and waiting for the perfect time to strike. Finally, someone asked that a file be shared to the channel and the bad guy used this opportunity to send a malicious ZIP file. When opened, the file installed malware that gave the scammer full access to the victim’s computer.

Remember: If someone sends you a link or an attachment, verify that you know and trust the sender before you click.

Playing Tag

On Google Drive, anyone can be tagged in a file, so long as their Gmail address is valid. This means that if a bad guy tags you in a Google document, you will receive a legitimate notification from Google that includes a link to the bad guy’s file. If you view the bad guy’s file, you’ll likely find that it tells you to click another link. This second link is actually a malicious attempt to steal your sensitive information.

Remember: If you receive a suspicious notification, contact your IT department or follow the specific security procedure for your organization.

Phony Notifications

Attending meetings on Zoom is as simple as clicking a button within an email. Unfortunately, getting phished is just as easy. Cybercriminals send out fake Zoom notifications that claim you missed an important meeting. They use a sense of urgency to get you to click on a link to view the meeting schedule. But don’t be fooled! The link actually sends you to a phony login page designed to steal your username and password.

Remember: If an email asks you to log in to an account or online service, log in to your account through your browser—not by clicking the link in the email.
The KnowBe4 Security Team
KnowBe4.com


Chris Freeman

April 1, 2024

Telecommunications Specialist

“Who is Chris Freeman? you might jest.
Chris embodies the skills and expertise
reminiscent of a small breed of modern-day
renaissance technicians.”

Above, in quotations, is a joke. Maybe before your time.

Since December 1998, Chris has been an integral part of the WVNET Telecommunications Department. Initially stepping in as the primary field technician, Chris has journeyed to every county courthouse and college campus that WVNET has ever supported. His hands-on experience is vast: from installing modem chassis, routers, and switches to maintaining an array of communication equipment.

In his current capacity as the Telecommunications Specialist, Chris wears many hats. Not only does he install, remove, and maintain essential hardware and systems, but he also plays a pivotal role as the Data Center lead. Here, he extends his expertise to mentoring newer technicians, ensuring top-notch customer service, troubleshooting both in-house and on-site, managing phone systems, and addressing the diverse needs of the Data Center.

It’s worth noting that Chris took the lead in installing WVNET’s internal communication cabling—a testament to his hands-on involvement and dedication.

On the personal front, Chris has shared his life’s journey with Laura Freeman since their union in August 1996. Together, they have built a blended family, boasting five children and five grandchildren.



WVNET Trivia

April 1, 2024

Have some fun with WVNET on National Trivia Day!



Verne Britton

April 1, 2024

Lead Systems Programmer at WVNET

Verne is a Lead Systems Programmer at WVNET. Verne graduated from Purdue University in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. He joined us in September 1985 and since then provided more than 36 years of service to the improvement of computational infrastructure for educational institutions in West Virginia. He is responsible for Linux system management, creating virtual machines in a VMware environment, maintaining our public DNS servers, and provides webhosting consulting services to all of our WVNET clients.  Verne cherishes his early days when he worked with his mentor the late George Cook with whom he co-managed the WVNET DEC OpenVMS Cluster and ran the equipment continuously for 18 years without even a minute of downtime.  As part of the initial deployment of Banner in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Verne and co-workers visited the majority of campuses across West Virginia to set up DEC VaxServers running OpenVMS to locally run Banner and later upgrading campuses to 64bit AlphaServers from DEC. Verne has served as the WVNET representative to the Advisory Council of Classified Staff (ACCE) since 2002. ACCE is a state-wide higher education committee comprised of the 23 public colleges and universities in West Virginia that addresses the concerns of higher education employees, matters of institutional policies, legislative and executive branches of state government.

Thank you, Verne, for everything you do to improve the educational infrastructure in our Mountain State!



Barbara Long

April 1, 2024

DegreeWorks Team Lead

Barbara has more than 30 years of experience as a technology professional, working to drive transformation in West Virginia’s higher education and spur adoption of Ellucian’s DegreeWorks degree audit solution.

Barbara’s experience also includes more than a decade working with the Ellucian student information system (better known as Banner). Prior to that, she was a technical writer/editor at WVNET where she was deeply involved in the company’s marketing strategy.

In the early 2000s, Barbara presented how WVNET supports a student information system in a multicampus implementation at the annual SIGUCCS, ACM’s Special Interest Group on University and College Computing Services, Conference.

Barbara has served as a member of the Ellucian Degree Works Customer Advisory Board.  And was recognized by the Appalachian Information Technology Extension Services as a role model for young women interested in information technology.

In addition to her work at WVNET, Barbara has held the position of president of the Monongalia County Master Gardeners Organization.  And is a past member of the Service League of Morgantown – a non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the lives of Monongalia county residents through charitable, educational and cultural activities.



Cory Morrison

April 1, 2024

Distance learning GUI Specialist and Instructional Designer

Cory has a degree in Web Design & Database Management and has been working with WVNET for over 10 years. Before joining WVNET he worked as Digital solutions coordinator, technical support and as a manager for Cengage Learning for 5 years.

When asked to describe Cory in single phrases, his colleagues and customers described him as “responsive, helpful, creative and fun loving”

Cory is a WV native, born in Fairmont, WV and grew up in Bridgeport. Raised to be a Mountaineer – he loves camping, hiking, fishing, kayaking and loves music (awesome drum player). He loves his 4 dogs and cats. Cory has been integral part of various WVNET’S Distance Learning Initiatives and WVNET’s successful transition from Blackboard to Brightspace.