Author: Mazen Morrar
Mazen is a student employee with Technology Services.
When I first started getting emails at Illinois, I thought the only ones I had to worry about were reminders from professors or newsletters I never signed up for. Then one day I got an email that looked official but felt off. The subject line said my account would be deactivated and the message asked me to click a link to “verify my information.” That was the moment I realized how easy it is to run into a cybersecurity threat on campus.
The good news is that reporting something suspicious is a lot easier than most people think. It only takes a few minutes and once you know how, you have a tool you can use to protect yourself and the entire Illinois community.
What to look out for
Cybersecurity incidents can show up in different ways. Some of the most common are:
- Phishing emails that ask for your password or personal details.
- Malware or pop-ups that appear out of nowhere.
- Trouble logging in to your account when you know your password is correct.
- A lost or stolen phone or laptop that has university information on it.
The rule of thumb is simple. If something feels suspicious, report it. You do not have to know for sure whether it is a real threat – the experts will figure that out for you.
How to report
If it’s in Outlook, the easiest way is hitting the “Report” button directly in your Outlook inbox. If you don’t use Outlook, or you encounter an incident outside of email, the easiest way is through the Cybersecurity at Illinois reporting page. There is a short online form where you can explain what happened, attach a screenshot if needed and submit it. The security team follows up quickly with next steps. If filling out a form is not your style, there are other options. You can email security@illinois.edu, or even stop by the Technology Services Help Desk in DCL or the Union for guidance. No matter which option you choose, the process is quick. For urgent situations you can call 217-265-0000.
The power of reporting
Phishing attempts, hacked accounts and strange pop-ups on your computer can feel like small problems at first. But they often spread beyond one person. If I report a sketchy email, there is a good chance it landed in dozens of inboxes across campus. The earlier the security team knows about it, the faster they can take action to block it and warn others. I like to think of it as the digital version of telling someone when you see a broken lock on a door. You could ignore it, but reporting it helps keep everyone safe.
I once reported a suspicious email that turned out to be part of a phishing campaign. The security team confirmed that dozens of people had received the same message. Because I spoke up, they were able to block the link and prevent more accounts from being compromised. It made me realize how much impact a simple report can have. Every time someone reports an incident, it adds another layer of protection for classmates, professors and staff.
Keep this in mind
Reporting a cybersecurity incident is one of the easiest things you can do to keep Illinois safe. It is fast, simple and makes a real difference. The next time something does not look right in your inbox or on your computer, do not second-guess it. Report it. You will be helping protect not just yourself but everyone around you.