Online Safety
Do
Use strong passwords and change them often.
Use antivirus software for your computers.
Hover over hyperlinks in messages to verify they direct you to the expected site before clicking.
Verify unusual requests from UMBC, your bank, or friends by contacting them directly using a trusted number.
Keep your apps, virus protection, and all other software up to date to ensure optimal security.
See something, say something. Forward suspicious messages in your UMBC email to security@umbc.edu
Don’t
Use the same password (or very similar ones) across multiple accounts.
Respond to suspicious emails, direct messages, or other forms of correspondence.
Click any links in an unsolicited email, even those claiming to unsubscribe you.
Trust offers that seem “too good to be true”– they probably are.
Share personal information via email or on sites that do not start with “https” or lack a “lock” icon.
Download files or apps from unknown sources to avoid malware risks.
NOTE: UMBC will never prompt you to give a username or password except through its official WebAuth Site.
Passwords
Simple measures like passwords often don’t receive the attention they deserve. How many of us use just one or two general passwords for all our accounts? Considering the potential trouble if these were compromised highlights the importance of account security. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so now is the perfect time to reevaluate how you protect your accounts. Here are some tips to help reduce the risk of your account being hacked:
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