VCU Security Hero
What is a Security Hero?
A security hero is someone who actively helps keep the university environment and data safe and secure from harm. Information security is a collective responsibility, and the VCU Information Security Office needs help from the VCU community to defend our university against various threats that may jeopardize the safety and security of university information.
This could be as simple as reporting phishing emails or help others with security best practices. Some examples of what qualifies someone as a security hero are:
- Report phishing or email scams to infosec@vcu.edu
- Report suspicious behavior (someone using a PC they should not be etc.)
- Report lost / stolen equipment
- Report potential unauthorized access
By reporting potential security incidents to the information security office quickly, the information security team may be able to substantiate and respond to the potential threat quickly. Therefore, a security hero can potentially save the digital lives of many others, whether they are targets of a scam or have their information included in datasets targeted by the cyber villains.
Please send all reports to infosec@vcu.edu. Reporting of potential security incidents will enter you into the security hero of the month raffle, and the security hero award will go out at the end of the month to the security hero that VCU Information Security Office selects from the entries.
What Happens if I Win?
First off—you’ll get an email letting you know you won the raffle!
Then it’s decision time:
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Do you want a free shirt?
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Do you want your picture featured on the Security Heroes website?
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Or maybe… both!
Step 1: Pick Your Shirt
Choose your favorite style and size.
Step 2: Delivery Options
Let us know how you’d like to receive it. We can ship it directly to your address, or, if you’d like, we can hand deliver it and capture a quick photo for the blog at the same time.
Why Do We Want Your Picture?
Because we’re proud of you!
Phishing impacts everyone—no one is immune. By celebrating our winners, we’re not just giving away shirts. We’re showing that real people are staying alert, catching phishing attempts, and making our community safer.
Your picture helps inspire others, reminds our team that users are the real heroes, and spreads awareness in a fun, human way.
In Short
Winning the raffle means more than just a shirt—it’s recognition that you’re part of a bigger mission: protecting yourself and others against phishing.
So wear your shirt proudly, share your smile, and know that you’re helping make security a team effort. Thank you.
Security Hero Spotlight: August 2025 Winner: Rahaf Abdelfadiel
Rahaf Abdelfadiel works in the VCU Card Office. VCU Card issues official Campus Cards that act as a central key to VCU's services and resources, providing identification and access to buildings, meal plans, library services, RamBucks, campus transportation, and more for students, employees, and affiliates. If you have lost your VCUCard, immediately deactivate it and take steps to protect yourself from identity theft. A lost ID can be used to gain access to buildings and sensitive information or even be sold on the dark web. Lost cards can be reported by emailing cardservices@vcu.edu, online at myVCUCard.com, using the GET Mobile app, or by calling any VCUCard Office. Thank YOU for being a security hero.