The Dangers of UBITName Password Theft

At universities across the country, the theft of electronic IDs assigned to faculty, staff, and students, such as your UBITName and password at UB, is a rapidly growing problem.

Your UBITName Is Valuable

Used with your UBIT password, it provides access to your personal information and campus services, such as email.

For many of us, it also provides access to other people’s data. Protecting data placed in UB’s care by faculty, staff, and students is part of being a responsible network citizen. Keeping your password safe is one way you can help protect everyone’s data on campus.

Your Social Security Number Could Be At Risk

Social Security Numbers are exposed while logged into NYS Payroll Online. Also, they can defraud the government in your name, fraudulently file your income taxes, take out loans and credit cards and falsify documents such as passports.

In addition, they can access any service that you access with your UBITName:

  • Your personal university information can be accessed, putting you at risk for identity theft or possibly register or drop a course.
  • Depending on your role at UB, restricted or confidential data could be exposed to unauthorized individuals.
  • Technical journals and licensed library resources can be accessed, putting UB at risk of being blocked from using the resources or having the university license revoked.
  • Spam can be sent using your UB email. If this happens:
    • The university email system could get blocked by Internet Service Providers who identify spam being sent from UB mail servers – spam from your email could potentially get everyone at UB blocked.
    • You could lose time and productivity if your access is temporarily blocked due to a large number of bounced messages and complaints. In extreme cases, Employee Relations or Student Conduct may need to meet with you.

Never Share Your Password

No one besides you should know your password. Not your supervisor, assistant, technical support staff, family members or friends.

Still need help?

Contact the UBIT Help Center.