Important Information About Extortion Email Scams and How to Stay Safe

Students, faculty, and staff at academic institutions are being increasingly targeted by extortion email scams. These scams can be unsettling, and it’s important to know how they work so you can protect yourself. 

How These Scams Work 

Extortion emails often claim that the sender has gained access to your personal data , such as passwords or sensitive files, or your entire computer. The scammer may threaten to expose this information unless a ransom is paid, typically in cryptocurrency. These threats are usually based on false claims, but they can seem credible because scammers may include old passwords obtained from prior data breaches. Increasingly, these scams might also include a picture of your home taken from Google Street View or other pictures taken from the internet. 

 

How to Protect Yourself 

To keep your personal information and University accounts secure, follow these guidelines: 

1. Change Your Password 
   If you have not updated your password recently, now is a great time . Always use a strong, unique password for each account, and consider using a password manager to help generate and store passwords securely. 

2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) 
   MFA provides an extra layer of protection by requiring more than just a password to access your accounts. If you haven’t switched MFA on your University account from SMS text to the Microsoft Authenticator App, please consider doing so. 

3. Be Cautious of Suspicious Emails 
   Never respond to or engage with extortion emails. If you receive a suspicious email, do not click on any links or download attachments. Always verify the legitimacy of unexpected or unusual emails, even if they appear to come from familiar sources. 

4. Regularly Monitor Accounts for Unusual Activity 
   Monitor your personal and University accounts for signs of unauthorized access and report any irregularities immediately. 

5. Report Suspicious Emails 
   If you receive an extortion email or any other suspicious message, report it immediately to the ITS Help Desk at helpdesk@hartford.edu. You should also notify University Public Safety so they are aware of any potential threats and can provide further assistance if needed.