Simmons is a frequent target of phishing attacks, in which criminals attempt to obtain personal information, gain access to your email account, or compromise your computer. Links in phishing emails may take you to websites that look very much like services you use, and attachments in phishing emails are a prime source of viruses and malware.

To help protect everyone at the College, Simmons Technology is requiring you to change your password as soon as possible. If you have already changed your password after receiving Information Security Officer David Bruce’s email on Jan 10, you don’t need to take any further action. Instructions for changing your password can be found on the Simmons College Service Desk website by clicking on the red “Change your password” banner at the top of the home page.

We also encourage you to be vigilant when using other web-based services. If you receive suspicious emails or account-related requests, contact the service provider directly for assistance.

If you believe you have fallen prey to a phishing attack, or have any questions about keeping your information secure, please call the Service Desk at 617-521-2222.

As we begin the spring semester, we want to share our progress on the computer replacement project.

Before the winter break, we proceeded with our pilot program in Technology, the Library, and the Department of Political Science & International Relations. This successful small-scale rollout helped us to refine our process and improve our prospects for a smooth rollout to the rest of the College.

During November and December, the project team met with each department on campus to determine their academic and business computing needs, and to answer questions about the project. We also used this opportunity to finalize a list of employees with computers that are eligible for replacement and to create a tentative timeline for each department.

From now until June 2017, our team will proceed with computer replacements based on the planning we’ve done with each department. If you have questions about the project or your eligibility to receive a new computer, please contact the Service Desk.

For many people, the last month of the year is a time for gathering with friends and family, sharing a meal, and exchanging gifts. And what’s easier than purchasing gifts through your phone or tablet, where you can save payment info and place an order with a tap of your thumb?

Recently, as covered in The New York Times, New York Post, and elsewhere, fake shopping apps have been popping up in Apple’s App Store and on Google Play. These apps have similar names and icons as popular stores and brands, but they exist solely to serve annoying ads, steal your banking information, or infect your device with malware.

Apple and Google work to prevent apps like these from ending up in their stores, but with thousands of new app submissions each day, some fall through the cracks and end up alongside apps from your favorite shopping destinations.

There are usually signs that these apps are fake, but they can be easy to miss. To stay safe, keep an eye out for:

• Apps that have no reviews and no previous versions
• Reviews from other customers who have been scammed
• Apps and app makers with misspelled names (e.g. Footlocke instead of Foot Locker)
• Apps with poorly written text, misspellings, and pop-up ads that cover the text

It’s always more fun to give than to receive, so stay vigilant and be sure you’re not on the receiving end of an app scam.