Dear Campus Community,

As the holidays approach, Information Technology Services (ITS) is providing the following reminders to help protect your personal information and University data:

• Lock away any documents or devices with sensitive information before leaving your campus or home workspace for the holidays.
• Vehicle break-ins are more frequent this time of year. Don’t leave phones, computers, or other valuables in your car.
• Be suspicious of promises of easy money: gift cards, lottery winnings, job opportunities, etc. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Scammers use fear and anxiety to trigger impulsive reactions. Stop and think before responding to any email, call, or text.
• Don’t click unexpected links or attachments. Use trusted websites or apps to view account or order information.
• Beware of requests for personal or account information, especially from unknown sources. ITS will never ask for your password.
• If you see a security alert pop-up window in your browser or desktop, do not call the number given or click any link. It’s likely a scam, and your device could be infected with malware. Call the ITS Service Desk immediately at 901.678.8888.
• For more tips on keeping your personal and University data safe, visit our IT Security Phishing and Best Practices web pages.

Forward suspicious emails to abuse@memphis.edu, and report any lost devices or unusual account activity — such as unexpected Duo prompts — to the ITS Service Desk at umtech@memphis.edu or 901.678.8888.

Carolyn Sue Hull-Toye, Ed.D.

Assistant Chief Information Officer