09/02/25 - CyberSafe Monthly - Stay Secure this Semester: Protect Your N-Number and Tune Out Scams
SUBJECT: CyberSafe Monthly - Stay Secure this Semester: Protect Your N-Number and Tune Out Scams
DATE: September 2, 2025
SENDER: Information Security & Privacy Office
Welcome to the new academic year! While you focus on your studies, teaching, and research, it's important to be aware that cybercriminals are also stepping up their efforts by targeting university communities. The Information Security & Privacy Office is here to help you keep your data secure and protect yourself from scams. Our first issue of the new year focuses on protecting your most valuable digital asset (your university ID and N-number) and shows how to recognize a persistent scam that’s been fooling our community members.
Stay smart, stay secure—and let’s start the year strong.
Guard Your Digits: Protecting Your New School ID (N-Number)
Your university ID number—your N-number—is one of your most sensitive pieces of information. N-numbers, combined with other publicly available information such as birthdays, can be used to alter student records, financial aid, employee benefits, and reset passwords. Here’s how to protect it:
DO:
- Keep your N-number private and secure
- Only provide it through official university systems and applications and only when specifically requested
- Provide your NetID, if asked to verify your student, faculty, or staff status
DON’T
- Share N-numbers with anyone besides New School staff and faculty
- Send it via SMS text or to unsolicited phone calls
- Include N-numbers when using any AI tools, such as Google Gemini, Notebook LM or ChatGPT
- Write your N-number on unsecured documents or forms, such as petitions or group sign-up forms
- Include your N-Number in your signature block
Remember: Any request for your N-number from New School Staff or Faculty will come from a New School email address or a phone number that indicates The New School as the caller.
Scam Spotlight: The “Free Piano” Trap
Have you ever received an email offering a free piano? A free guitar? A free TV? This persistent scam has been targeting members of our community on a regular basis. Here’s how it works: The sender claims to be moving, downsizing, or giving away an expensive instrument or household item and all that is required is for you to pay the shipping or moving cost. In exchange for the free item, they ask that you use a specific company or service and provide you with the phone number and/or email address to solicit payment. There is no free piano, no free guitar or free tv. You will pay for the delivery and never hear from them again.
Red Flags:
- Unsolicited offers for free expensive items
- Requests for personal information and/or upfront payments
- Vague or missing item location information or specific shipping arrangements
If you receive a similar message, please forward it to IT Central and then delete it. Never provide personal information or financial information to unknown contacts and always keep in mind that any offer that sounds too good to be true, probably is!
Learn More about Cybersecurity & Privacy
Visit the Phish Bowl: Our Phish Bowl, your go-to resource for the latest phishing scams targeting our community. Stay informed about current threats and learn how to spot suspicious emails before they catch you off guard. If you receive a suspicious email, Report the Phish and we’ll add it to our list.
Review Past Issues of CyberSafe Monthly: Looking for some of our past tips or more resources to protect your data? View our newsletter archive.
For additional information, visit our Data Privacy page or email the Information Security & Privacy Office at ispo@newschool.edu.
Visit the CyberSafe Monthly Newsletter Archive