Dear UMBC Community,

Imagine a stranger secretly using your home internet or your laptop to hide their tracks. Recently, security experts have found that certain apps are doing exactly that! They are secretly turning personal devices into "digital masks" for cybercriminals. 

When you download a seemingly harmless app, it may contain hidden code that shares your internet connection with a global network of hackers. This makes their activity look like it is coming from your device and our campus.

How to spot strange activity on your device:

Your device might be working for someone else if you notice: 

• Performance Issues: Your phone or laptop suddenly runs slowly, gets hot for no reason, or has a battery that dies much faster than usual.
• High Data Usage: You see a massive spike in your internet data usage that you can't explain. 

Tips to keep your tech private: 

• Look Before You Click: Even in official app stores, check the reviews. If a simple app (like a flashlight or a calculator) asks for permission to access your files, contacts, or location, it's a red flag. 
• Beware of the "Too Good to Be True": Be skeptical of "cracked" software or free versions of paid apps. They often come with a hidden "tax" on your security. 
• Cheap Smart Tech: Very inexpensive "Smart Home" or Internet of Things (IoT) devices often have weak security, making them easy targets for hackers. 

What to do if you suspect trouble: 

If your device is acting strangely or you receive a suspicious email, do not click any links. Please forward any suspicious emails to the security team at security@umbc.edu.  

If you suspect a phishing or cybersecurity attempt, do not reply, click any links, or open any attachments. Instead, forward the email immediately to the security team at security@umbc.edu. Your report helps protect everyone!

Thank you all for your continued awareness and assistance in keeping our community secure.

Cybersecurity Assurance and Digital Trust
UMBC Division of Information Technology (DoIT)

Dear UMBC Community,

Imagine a stranger secretly using your home internet or your laptop to hide their tracks. Recently, security experts have found that certain apps are doing exactly that! They are secretly turning personal devices into "digital masks" for cybercriminals. 

When you download a seemingly harmless app, it may contain hidden code that shares your internet connection with a global network of hackers. This makes their activity look like it is coming from your device and our campus.

How to spot strange activity on your device:

Your device might be working for someone else if you notice: 

• Performance Issues: Your phone or laptop suddenly runs slowly, gets hot for no reason, or has a battery that dies much faster than usual.
• High Data Usage: You see a massive spike in your internet data usage that you can't explain. 

Tips to keep your tech private: 

• Look Before You Click: Even in official app stores, check the reviews. If a simple app (like a flashlight or a calculator) asks for permission to access your files, contacts, or location, it's a red flag. 
• Beware of the "Too Good to Be True": Be skeptical of "cracked" software or free versions of paid apps. They often come with a hidden "tax" on your security. 
• Cheap Smart Tech: Very inexpensive "Smart Home" or Internet of Things (IoT) devices often have weak security, making them easy targets for hackers. 

What to do if you suspect trouble: 

If your device is acting strangely or you receive a suspicious email, do not click any links. Please forward any suspicious emails to the security team at security@umbc.edu.  

If you suspect a phishing or cybersecurity attempt, do not reply, click any links, or open any attachments. Instead, forward the email immediately to the security team at security@umbc.edu. Your report helps protect everyone!

Thank you all for your continued awareness and assistance in keeping our community secure.

Cybersecurity Assurance and Digital Trust
UMBC Division of Information Technology (DoIT)

Join the Black Graduate Student Organization (BGSO) for the 6th Annual Honors and Awards Ebony Sneaker Ball, a vibrant celebration inspired by the iconic fashion, music, and culture of the 1990s and 2000s. This year's event brings together students, faculty, and community members for an evening of recognition, connection, and fun.

The night will feature keynote speaker Dr. Christa Porter, Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School at UMBC, alongside host Serena Studivant, Assistant Director of Commuter Student Success. Guests can enjoy a full experience including a live DJ, dinner, and a professional photoshoot station.

Whether you come dressed in retro streetwear or classic throwback style, the Ebony Sneaker Ball is your chance to celebrate excellence, honor achievements, and relive the energy of two unforgettable decades. Join us on Saturday, April 11th, 2026, from 5:00–8:00 PM at the Skylight Room for a night you won't want to miss.

Commuter Week was designed to bring students together, build connections, and create a stronger commuter community at UMBC. We hope you had the opportunity to take part.
We would like to hear about your experience.

Your feedback helps us understand what worked well, what can be improved, and how we can make future commuter programs more meaningful and engaging for all students.
Whether you attended one event, several events, or were unable to participate, your input is valuable to us.

Complete the survey:
Access the survey through our Linktree link below:
linktr.ee/umbc_commuters

The survey only takes a few minutes to complete, and your responses will help us continue improving commuter initiatives at UMBC.

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.

Queen-size mattress in good condition. It is very comfortable.

Price: $70
Pickup required near Hollins Market.

Feel free to message me if you're interested!

All COEIT undergraduate students (BTA, IS, Comp Sci, CompE, MechE, and ChemE majors) are invited to complete the 2026 COEIT Undergraduate Student Voice & Experience Survey.

This survey aims to understand your experiences and perceptions related to your experience in your major, classroom interactions and environment, campus involvement and resources, and the diversity and inclusion within COEIT. As this is the first time we're offering this survey since 2016, your feedback is incredibly valuable in helping the COEIT community collect critical benchmarking data.

Survey Deadlines & Prize Drawing:

• Priority Deadline: March 23, 2026 (and last chance to enter to win $25 Retriever Dollars)

• Final deadline: April 10, 2026

• Incentive: Complete the survey by the priority deadline (3/23) and select "yes" for the very last survey question to be taken to an anonymous separate survey to provide your email. This email will only be used to enter you into a prize drawing to receive $25 Retriever Dollars (multiple winners will be selected!). Your email address will not be linked to your survey responses.

Take the Survey Here: https://umbc.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5iI6xaFXbYdbZGu