“Credential thieves” find ways to steal usernames and passwords all the time. Whether a thief tricks you into providing your login information, or they hack a system, once a bad actor has what they need, your information and entire systems are at risk.

Duo, the multi-factor authentication application used at UConn, can stop a thief in their tracks, but only with your help. Duo serves as your second line of defense against unauthorized access (good passwords are your first)! After you enter your password, you then authenticate with Duo, verifying your identity for a second time. If you EVER receive a prompt from Duo that you DID NOT initiate, you must deny that prompt because this is an indicator that your credentials are compromised. When you deny Duo, you are catching the credential thief in the act, and blocking them from taking further action. It is common for these thieves to enter your credentials multiple times in hopes that you become “fatigued” from the notifications and just approve a Duo push out of frustration and annoyance.

A legitimate Duo push tells you what services you are attempting to log into, such as UConn 2FA Single Sign On, and the approximate location of the access request. If you did not initiate a login, and you randomly receive push to your phone, or come across a page requesting a Duo token/code, follow these steps to protect your account:

• Deny the Duo prompt.
• If asked by Duo if the activity is suspicious, press yes.
• Visit https://netid.uconn.edu/ to change your password.

You must change your password if you experience suspicious activity, such as an unauthorized Duo notification, because it means your credentials are compromised. Passwords are the first line of defense, but they only offer protection if they are hard to crack and known by only you. Follow these password practices to hinder credential theft from the start. And remember to NEVER approve a Duo push or enter Duo codes when you did not initiate a login.

Have you received an unsolicited job offer? Cybercriminals target students promising jobs and compensation.  Often sent via email, students are routinely offered fake employment opportunities that are designed to steal your money, or lead to other harmful consequences.

Common signs of employment scams:

• An e-mail that states “Message sent from a system outside of UConn” despite the email appearing to be sent from an @uconn.edu email account.
• An offer for a job opportunity you did not apply for.
• A request for you to deposit a check on behalf of the “employer.”
• A request for you to share your information.
• A requirement that you contact the “employer” to continue the “hiring” process over text or phone.

Tips to avoid being scammed:

• Be skeptical of scammers posing as UConn officials; even when the email appears to come from a @uconn.edu emails address, you must be cautious as cybercriminals can imitate UConn email accounts.
• Review the company’s online presence. Does the company have a website? Do they have contact information easily available?
• Do not send money to a company that wants to hire you. A legitimate company will never ask you to pay them.

Concerns?

If you receive an e-mail that you suspect is an employment scam, do not engage with the sender. If you have ever engaged with the malicious actor and believe you have been defrauded, please report the matter to the police.

Remember, if an offer is too good to be true… it probably is.