In today’s world, it is increasingly easy for unwanted individuals to gain access to your sensitive and confidential information. Without taking necessary measures to protect this information, you could be leaving yourself or USC vulnerable to identity theft, financial theft, reputational damage, and much more.

Sensitive and confidential information comes in many forms but is generally any information that you or your organization would not want disclosed. Examples of this information include:

• Emails containing private information
• Passwords
• Personal data (address, social security number, passport number, drivers license number, etc.)
• Financial data (credit/debit card number, bank account information)
• University data (employee/student information, research, health records, clinical records, payroll information, payment information, proprietary information)

For information about steps you can take to protect this information visit the security tips page at itservices.usc.edu/security/tips.

To stay up-to-date on the latest information security risks and trends, visit the Information Security blog at it-security.usc.edu.