IT Alerts & Announcements

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  • Zoom Security Alert

    The amount of news coverage and impact surrounding the coronavirus has continued to create an opportunity for cyber-criminals to take advantage of individuals in the form of phishing attacks, email scams, and hijacking video-conferences.  They are looking to exploit the public’s fears, as well as the exponential increase in remote work, cyber-criminals are sending email messages claiming to be from legitimate organizations with information about the COVID-19 and pending government stimulus checks. Additionally, Zoom phishing emails and Zoom-bombing of video conferences have increased significantly over the last few month.
     
    We ask all GC Zoom users to maintain awareness and vigilance and follow some simple rules that you can find at the below links:
     
    https://blog.zoom.us/keep-uninvited-guests-out-of-your-zoom-event/
     
    https://www.cuny.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/page-assets/about/administration/offices/cis/it-resources-for-remote-work-teaching/Zoom-Security-Protocol.pdf
      Read more

  • IT Community Announcement for Spring 2021

    GC Community:
    Please take note of these important announcements regarding new or improved IT services and resources:

      Read more

  • Phishing Alert: EMAIL SECURITY ALERT

    Dear Graduate Center Community:

    Some of the Graduate Center community members reported receiving phishing emails. It is a fraudulent or malicious attempt to collect personal information. Do not respond, click any link in it, or provide personal information. See Phishing & Suspicious Email for more tips. If you need help, contact the IT Services.

    Phishing Email Text:
    Sample 1:
    Subject: Action Required!
    This mail is to notify all students and staff  that we will be carrying out an email validation exercise. We will need you to confirm that your account is still in use, please click here  [bmcc.tilda.ws]in order to keep your account active.

    Sample 2:
    Subject: Validate your email!
    This Email is to notify all staff, students and alumni of The City University of New York that there will be an upgrade on our Email Services. Validate your Email [cunyupdate.multiscreensite.com]to confirm that it is still in use.
    Note: All Unused emails will be permanently closed.
     
    Additional resources
    -How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams
    -How do I report identity theft?https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0014-identity-theft
    -Refresh your knowledge by taking security awareness training:https://course.enterprisetraining.com/cuny2019/launch/
      Read more

  • Suspicious donation activity reported

    You may see donation requests that you don’t recognize asking for money in the wake of a different cause. Verify all charities on the IRS tax exemption site. Visit the Fraud Support Cybercrime Charity Imposter Scams for warning signs and action steps after donating to a fraudulent charity.

    Please remain vigilant and report any fraudulent or phishing emails to itservices@gc.cuny.edu.

     
      Read more

  • Please be aware of a scam targeting private tutors!

    You may be contacted by a scammer who saw your name on the Graduate Center website or another website such as Craigslist.
    Often seen at the beginning and end of academic terms, the "tutor scam" is an example of targeted social engineering that tries to establish a relationship to gain your trust and could lead to an advance payment/fake check con.

    Characteristics of Tutor Scams:
    -You receive an email or text from someone who does not live locally; often, they claim to live in Europe.
    -They have a child or niece or nephew who will be in your area temporarily and who needs to be tutored for a short time, such as a few weeks.
    -They want to pay you in advance for the entire block of tutoring time.
    -They typically use a common Anglo-sounding name (Smith, Wilson, etc.), but their grammar, spelling, and punctuation are inadequate, as from a non-English speaker.
    -There may be several rounds of email or texting between you and the scammer, and you may even speak with them on the phone.

    Please remain vigilant, now more than ever, and report any fraudulent or phishing emails to itservices@gc.cuny.edu

      Read more

  • Request a Tablet for Distance Learning

    The Graduate Center is committed to supporting you through the rapid transition to distance learning. Read more

  • GC IT Remote Work Guidance

    In the event that routine work or academic functions are disrupted due to prolonged campus or building closures, you may find it necessary to work from off campus. We provide a variety of services to connect you with colleagues remotely so that work can continue uninterrupted.

    In preparation, you should make sure you have tested your access to the following equipment at home:
      Read more