As the campus transitions to remote learning, instruction and work, IT Services encourages the ÏòÈÕ¿ûÊÓƵcommunity to beware of online scams that take advantage of the fear and uncertainty surrounding Coronavirus. The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) offers these tips to avoid being a victim of Coronavirus scams.

• Don’t reveal personal or financial information in an email, and do not respond to email solicitations for this information. This includes following links sent in email.
• Pay attention to the website’s URL. Malicious websites may look identical to a legitimate site, but the URL may use a variation in spelling or a different domain (e.g., .com versus .net).
• If you are unsure whether an email request is legitimate, try to verify it by contacting the company directly. Contact the company using information provided on an account statement, not information provided in an email.
• Keep a clean machine. Update all software on Internet-connected devices – including PCs, smartphones and tablets – to reduce the risk of infection from malware.
• Also, IT Services recommends using built-in security on your computer's operating system.
  • Windows (8.1 and above) includes .
  • macOS (10.7 Lion and above) includes XProtect and .
• Seeking more security? For additional malware protection, .

ÏòÈÕ¿ûÊÓƵ champions a growing global effort to promote online safety awareness with the theme: STOP. THINK. CONNECT.

• STOP. Make sure security measures are in place. Automate software updates on your devices. Use separate passwords on all accounts. Make passwords into strong passphrases of 12 or more characters. 
• THINK. Take a moment to be certain the path ahead is clear. Watch for warning signs of attempts to steal your money or your personal information. ÏòÈÕ¿ûÊÓƵ will never ask for your password via email, text or phone call.
• CONNECT. Enjoy the Internet with greater confidence, knowing you’ve taken the right steps to safeguard yourself, your data and your devices.