Keeping You and Your Devices Safe at UB

Learn about avoiding email scams, protecting your devices and where to get to help if you've been hacked.

Report a Security Concern

Account compromised? See how it happens and what to do.

Computer compromised? See how to get help.

For phishing attempts, complete these steps to report it.

Report spam (Faculty and staff, students)

To report cyberbullying, contact University Police.

Your UBITName Password

For passwords, read:

Learn the dangers of UBITName password theft.

Read about Duo two-step verification, and how it keeps your device secure by pairing access with an enrolled device or security key, in addition to your UBITName password.

Recognize Email Scams

Learn to recognize a phishing attempt, what is a suspicious email and what to avoid.

Learn about Online Scams.

Secure Your Connection

Connect to UB resources and protect your personal information from off campus using Cisco AnyConnect.

Review Best Practices for Secure Remote Computing.

Protect Your Device

Get free Macintosh anti-virus software (AVG, Sophos Home Free) to prevent viruses (For Windows, use Defender that came with your operating system) and Spirion to check for credit card or Social Security numbers. Read recommendations for securing your mobile device.

Update Your Device

Don't let your device get compromised. Microsoft and Apple recommend applying operating system updates (Windows, Macintosh).

Common Questions

If I receive an email from an address ending with "@buffalo.edu," does that mean it's from a legitimate source at UB?

Not necessarily. Scammers can easily forge (or "spoof") any email address. For more information, read our article, "All about ‘spoofing:’ how scammers send fake emails that look real".

I think my identity has been stolen. What should I do?

Report the theft and start a recovery plan at the Federal Trade Commission's website, https://identitytheft.gov/

Interested in security awareness training?

UB offers a wide variety of Information Security Awareness Training >

How do I remove personal information if I want to sell my computer?

Find instructions for disposing old equipment and cleaning off your computer before you recycle it.

My access to ResNet was taken away because of a computer virus. What can I do?

Contact the UBIT Help Center.

Everyone talks about being careful with Social Media. What does UB recommend?

Becoming familiar with how Facebook and other social media work is important.  Here are some safeguards.

What can I do to keep my laptop from being stolen?

Invest in a laptop lock to physically secure it.

How can I further secure my browser?

Read our Web Browser Hardening Recommendations. 

What do I need to know about downloading music, videos, games, and other media?

If you are using a peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing program or have set up an ftp server, make sure that you are not "serving" copyright-protected materials to the world. If the University is notified by policing organizations such as the RIAA, MPAA, or their agents, you will be requested to appear at UB's Computer Discipline Office to discuss the complaint. Failure to appear could result in deactivation of your UBIT privileges. Learn more about the Digital Millienilum Copyright Act (DMCA).

See also

Still need help?

Contact the UBIT Help Center.