During the 2017 holiday season, 1 out of every 85 transactions was a fraudulent attempt, according to Experian’s Identity Theft Statistics.
The Office of Information Security in the Office of Technology Services (OTS) reminds the campus to be extra diligent during and immediately after holiday breaks. Scammers take advantage of increased shopping and seasonal distractions to steal your financial and personal information. Remember, mobile-friendly screens don’t always display all information, and it isn’t always easy to distinguish a legit email from a scam on a phone.
Protect the university by following these steps when using your TU email account:
- Check if the URL before entering TU credentials. Confirm there is a padlock in the URL bar, and an “s” after http (https) when prompted for login info, and make sure it contains “towson.edu.”
- Pick up the phone and call the supposed TU sender. If your boss or coworker asks for any sensitive information, or for you to make a purchase, call to confirm they made the request.
- Report suspicious emails. If using a mobile device, forward it to phishing@towson.edu. If using Outlook on a desktop/laptop can click the “report phish” button at the top of the email. Both of these actions send the email to OIS for review.
- Use Duo. Faculty and staff using Duo Multi-Factor Authenticationshould be sure they have multiple devices enrolled to avoid potential issues.
- Update your password. Reset your current NetID password and security question and answer. Both reset tools can be found at towson.edu/netid.
When shopping online over the holiday, protect yourself with these tips:
- Install all recent security patches and updates, as made available by your provider.
- Use caution when replying or clicking on links in an email especially on a mobile device. Instead of clicking, type in the website address or use a search engine.
- Question all attachments before opening; scammers can send malware by impersonating your favorite retailer.
- Monitor your accounts, avoid taking online surveys and don’t fall for fake purchase or shipping invoices.
- Use one credit card to make online purchases.
- Get information on current scams from the Federal Trade Commissionand report them to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
For information on recognizing online scams visit www.towson.edu/phishing. If you have questions regarding your TU account, submit a TechHelp service request to the Office of Information Security, or contact OTS at 410-704-5151.
