"SAFEnet" is the Safety Awareness For Everyone Network of the Public Safety Division. SAFEnet advisories are regular notices on crime trends and crime prevention tips for the entire Northeastern University network of staff and students. Read the most recent advisory below.
For additional information on SAFEnet or to obtain a copy of a previous message or alert, contact the NU Police Crime Prevention Unit at 617-373-2696. For additional crime prevention tips and information check out the National Crime Prevention Coucil's website http://www.ncpc.org.
SAFEnet Advisory - Online Security and ID Theft
What do Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears, Bill O’Reilly and President Obama have in common? They have all been victims of “Phishing” schemes and Internet hijacking. They have had their Twitter or other online accounts accessed, passwords changed, fraudulent messages posted or cell phone information stolen. Other celebrities have been the victims of larceny schemes where their bank accounts were accessed. These incidents point out weaknesses in the security practices in place.
Here are some common sense practices that will help you avoid costly and emotionally exhausting experiences brought about by Internet crime: Use a good, strong password. Combinations of numbers and letters (Upper and lower case) are best. Don’t use something easy to guess like a birthday, phone numbers or address; Change your password frequently, every two to three months is a good idea; be careful when using your password accessible account. Is anyone able to see you enter the password? Did you write it down somewhere? If you follow links on the Internet, be sure you know where you are going. A fraudulent address may be noticeable by rolling the mouse over the link and seeing the real address displayed on the monitor, usually in a pop-up box. When you leave a site, be absolutely sure that you have logged out, the best way is to close the browser, especially when using a public computer. Shred bills and statements that come from accounts that are accessible online, they have a tremendous amount of information that is potentially harmful in the wrong hands; Shred those free credit card offers that show up in the mail, including the return envelopes with “Customer Tracking” barcodes, throwing the blank form away is dangerous. To opt-out of these solicitations, follow the directions included in the material.
If you think that your accounts or passwords have been compromised, NU IT Security offers these suggestions:
Information from the Federal Trade Commission ( www.ftc.gov) and www.blogcritics.org (Kit O'Toole) was used in preparation of this message.
For more crime prevention information contact NUPD at 617.373.2696, or visit our website at www.northeastern.edu/publicsafety. “Your Safety is our Reward.”
SAFENet Advisory, December 2011 - Holiday Safety and Security
The holiday season brings a time of happiness, joy, distractions, and risks that can turn the happiness into great disappointment. Please take the time to consider some helpful hints which, if followed, can help ensure a safe and secure holiday season.
WHILE STILL AT WORK AND SCHOOL: Don't become distracted from routine activities such as securing offices, files and personal property. Remember the importance of securing your work area when leaving it unattended for even a short time. Unattended and unsecured areas are inviting to thieves.
RESIDENCE HALLS, LEASED PROPERTIES, APARTMENTS AND YOUR OWN HOME: Securing your residence includes using the riser restrictors on the windows if so equipped. Secure your room or apartment whenever you leave, even for a few minutes. Don't leave gifts in plain view. If you stay in residence halls over the holidays, remember, you are responsible for people you sign in; do not sign in people you do not know. Remember, when leaving for the holiday break close and secure all windows, including using the riser restrictors for the added level of security they offer.
IF YOU PLAN ON TRAVELING: Have the mail and newspapers held, consider timers for interior lights, and arrange for snow to be shoveled. If things start to pile up it's a sure sign that no one is home. No matter how you travel, remember that you are responsible for your safety and security. If possible, avoid large crowds and don't burden yourself with luggage and packages. Keep your identification in a safe, secure place as close to you as possible.
WHILE OUT SHOPPING OR VISITING: Be aware of the possible risks. Deter pickpockets: carry your wallet or purse close to your body in a front pocket or inside your coat or jacket; hold your belongings close to you; don't burden yourself with bags and boxes, don't display large amounts of cash during transactions, or wear flashy jewelry. When using ATMs or conducting other credit/debit transactions, guard against attempts at looking over your shoulder or otherwise accessing your information. Take your cash AND your card along with the receipt. Keep receipts for returns because they may have personal information. Park in well lit areas, lock your vehicle, do not leave items unsecured and visible inside; secure them in the trunk.
DINING OUT: Don't hang your purse over the back of a chair, keep it where you can see it at all times.
BE PROACTIVE: Create or update your home inventory of personal property. Take photos and list descriptions and serial numbers of things like TVs, DVD players, and other valuable property. Keep this information in a safe place for future reference when needed. Consider engraving your driver's license number and state abbreviation on valuable items.
REMEMBERING THESE SIMPLE SUGGESTIONS WILL HELP YOU ENJOY A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON. Contact the Northeastern University Police at 617.373.2696, or visit our website at www.northeastern.edu/publicsafety for more Crime Prevention Information. "Your Safety Is Our Reward"
SAFEnet Advisory - Unattended Theft and Transferred Calls - 11.22.11
PROTECT YOUR VALUABLES – A message from the Public Safety Division - Recently there has been an increase in the number of thefts of laptops, cell phones and backpacks left unattended in common areas and unsecured offices on campus. If you are in a library, food court, indoor quad, studying in an unoccupied classroom, or must leave your office, be aware that leaving your property (backpacks, laptops, purses, jackets, books, etc.) unattended significantly increases the risk of its being stolen. If your office will be unattended while you are gone, secure it. Do not expect unknown tablemates, people at other tables or desks, or those nearby to watch your things while you search library stacks, get food, use the restroom or take a nap. Such "short-term" absences have a tendency to become more lengthy than planned. All too often, upon your return those who agreed to watch your things are gone, and more importantly, you property may also be gone. A person who you don't know who agrees to watch your things owes you no loyalty, or obligation to do so. The majority of reported thefts took place when the owners left their valuables unattended for only a few minutes. Unattended property theft is a problem - don't let it be your problem!
The Northeastern University Police have also investigated several reports recently of suspicious telephone calls being received at University offices where the unidentified calling party asks the staff member, or desk attendant to transfer their call to an outside number. These outside numbers have been identified as adult oriented phone lines which charge fees which will be billed to the phone number that transferred the call. The callers have, at times, claimed to be university employees but telephone records indicate the calls originated from outside the University.
Contact NUPD at 617-373-2696, or visit our website at http://www.northeastern.edu/publicsafety for more Crime Prevention information. "Your Safety is our Reward."
SAFEnet Advisory – Domestic Violence Month – 10.31.11
President Obama has proclaimed October 2011 as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Domestic Violence knows no boundaries, respects no age, race, sex or sexual orientation. It often occurs on campuses in dating relationships and among college roommates.
The Massachusetts Abuse Prevention Law (MGL 209-A) defines abuse as attempting or causing physical harm; placing someone in fear of imminent serious physical harm; or causing another to engage involuntarily in sexual relations by force, threat or duress. The law provides specific resources and remedies for people subject to such abuse if they are in certain relationships with the perpetrator. Among those remedies are court-ordered restraining orders.
Under this law people who are or were married to each other, are related by blood or marriage, live in the same household (including college or university residence hall rooms, suites or apartments), are or have been engaged in a substantive dating relationship, or have a child in common are eligible for restraining orders and other special services.
If you, or someone you know, are in a situation which you feel is causing or could cause you harm and your relationship is described in the law, you have the right to legal protections and access to programs and services, in addition to other services provided by the University, that protect your rights and offer additional assistance to victims. For more information about these services contact NUPD or call the Office of Institutional Diversity and Equity at 617.373.2133.
The University Police will assist victims in obtaining Abuse Protection Orders. If you have been the victim of Domestic Abuse and have already obtained a Restraining Order, you are urged to file a copy of that order with the University Police so that we may be better able to enforce it when you are on campus. Protection Orders from other states are enforceable in Massachusetts.
For assistance or information contact: Northeastern University Police (617.373.2121); ³WeCare² (617.373.4384); University Health & Counseling Services (617.373.2772); Office of Institutional Diversity and Equity (617.373.2133). In an EMERGENCY CALL NUPD (617.373.3333) or YOUR LOCAL POLICE AT 9-1-1.
SAFEnet Advisory – 9.6.11
At the start of the new school year, the Public Safety Division would like to provide some safety tips that can help protect you and your belongings both at home and at school.
ON CAMPUS:
OFF CAMPUS:
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:
GENERAL SAFETY TIPS:
Contact NUPD at 617-373-2696 ( www.northeastern.edu/publicsafety) for more Crime Prevention Information. "Your Safety Is Our Reward"
SAFEnet Advisory – 8.9.11 - Online Safety & Security
Craigslist.com: the name suggests an opportunity to acquire much needed or wanted computers, furniture, DVD and other assorted items, or to dispose of them. It has also become a site for criminals offering non-existent jobs, apartments or items that either don’t exist or have been stolen. Craigslist is just one of many similar sites.
Points to consider are your personal safety and that of your identity. Is the seller reputable? Many sites work with law enforcement officials. For instance while Craigslist cautions buyers with links to safety and security information pages including: Personal Safety Tips; Avoiding Scams and Fraud; Prohibited Items and Recall information.
NUPD has investigated reports from members of the university community who had been victimized by not receiving items that they paid for, and then seeing the same item still posted, receiving checks from buyers that don’t clear and a variety of Identity Fraud schemes. These simple online safety and security tips will help keep you from becoming a victim: Meet in a public place; tell friends or family where you’re going and who you’ll meet; bring a friend; trust your instincts; meet in person; don’t wire money, only make purchases that you can pay for by using PayPal, or some other known and trusted source. Also, if selling an item be aware of the risks of accepting checks or questionable money orders.
Never give out personal information such as account numbers, Social Security, or credit card numbers. Avoid shipping and escrow services, beware of “Overpayment” schemes. Only a scammer will “Guarantee” the transaction. Beware of Lottery scams; you can’t win a lottery you didn’t enter. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Contact NUPD at 617-373-2696 for more Crime Prevention Information. "Your Safety Is Our Reward"
SAFEnet Advisory – 6.24.11 – Summer Security Tips
Before leaving for vacation or even for long weekend, remember to take simple security precautions to secure your office, home, residence hall room and vehicle and to review your own personal safety.
SECURING YOUR RESIDENCE: Securing the windows (and doors) and using window riser restrictor devices will help to make it more difficult for a thief to get into your apartment. Be sure to use window riser restrictors for an added level of security. When you are away use a timer to leave a light and radio on giving the impression the apartment is occupied.
SAFEGUARDING PROPERTY: Never leave your valuables unsecured in Residence Halls, apartments or your office. Lock doors and offices and keep valuables out of sight in vehicles. Secure laptops with cabling and use tracking and recovery software. Never leave small items such as laptops, iPods, cameras and cell phones within reach of an open window. Engrave items such as external drives and DVD players. Consider registering them with an on-line service. Keep documentation like serial numbers, make, model, etc. in a safe and accessible location for use when needed.
PERSONAL SAFETY: Review your safety practices: travel in groups; stay in well-lit areas; be aware of your surroundings; don’t flash large amounts of money; carry your wallet in a front pocket; carry a purse close to the body keeping a firm grip on it; avoid fights and disturbances; avoid shortcuts through dark parks, alleys, and trust your feelings.
On campus, use the Public Safety Division’s Safety Escort Service when possible, contact police via cell phone, or use one of the many Emergency Phones if you feel that you are in danger.
CELEBRATE JULY 4TH SAFELY: Summer means picnics, barbecues, parades and fireworks. Summer also means an increase in injuries. The National Safety Council advises that the best way to safely enjoy this 4th of July is to watch a public fireworks display conducted by professionals. ( http://nsc.org/resources/factsheets/hl/firework_safety.aspx).
Enjoy your summer, but please remember to use common sense and stay safe.
Contact NUPD at 617-373-2696 ( www.northeastern.edu/publicsafety) for more Crime Prevention Information. "Your Safety Is Our Reward"
SAFEnet Advisory – 5.17.11 – Home/Office/Lab Security
The Public Safety Division would like to remind you of steps to take in reducing the risk of becoming a victim of theft whether in an office, lab, classroom, a residence hall, apartment or your own home.
In your office or lab: be aware of your surroundings, who is there and whether or not they belong there; do not leave personal property where it is easily seen or accessed; store property securely; do not leave an area unsecure, even for a few minutes. This is an invitation to a thief. If you find someone you do not know in your office, ask if they need assistance. A thief will often take this opportunity to leave the area. Contact NUPD at 617-373-2121 right away to report the incident.
In your residence hall or apartment: use riser restrictors on your windows; don’t allow someone to “tailgate” when you enter the building; make sure the doors close securely behind you; don’t allow access to anyone you don’t know; in a residence hall close and secure the door to your room when you leave, EVEN IF ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES. It’s easier to take your ID card than it is to replace what might get stolen. Contact NUPD at 617-373-2696 ( www.northeastern.edu/publicsafety) for more Crime Prevention Information. "Your Safety Is Our Reward"
SAFEnet Advisory – 3.21.11 – Bike Security and Safety
Warm weather is around the corner, cyclists are becoming more active and once again it is time to review our bicycle security and safety preparations for the upcoming months.
This riding season the Public Safety Division’s objective is to decrease the number of bicycle thefts and improve the overall safety of those riding. Did you know? The majority of bikes stolen on campus last year had been secured with only a cable type lock. The remainder had no locks of any kind. The warm weather and improved conditions invite an increase in bicycling, whether to school, work or just for fun.
These conditions also contribute to an increase in theft of not only bicycles, but parts and accessories. Important security tips: DO NOT RELY ON ONLY A CABLE LOCK TO SECURE YOUR BIKE! Secure your bike with a U-type lock; you can add a cable, if you’d like, to lock the front wheel to the frame. Record your bike’s serial number, description and cost. Register your bike with police or organizations such as National Bike Registry, Juststolen.net, etc. Engrave your bike (and parts) with a mark that is unique to you such as your driver’s license number, i.e. S123456789/MA. Loaner engravers are available at NUPD.
Bicycle security is important, but so is your riding safety. Safety Suggestions: Always wear a helmet. Wear clothing that is not baggy and won’t get caught up in gears and sprockets. Wear reflective clothing which makes you more visible in low light or night- time conditions. Consider some type of glasses to keep your eyes protected and wearing gloves to ensure a good grip on the bike. Always ride with the traffic and obey all traffic laws. FOR THE SAFETY OF PEDESTRIANS AND SO AS NOT TO INTERFERE WITH BUILDING ACCESS BY THE MOBILITY IMPAIRED, NEVER LOCK YOUR BIKE TO HANDRAILS ON BUILDING STEPS OR RAMPS.
Go to the City of Boston’s bike web page at www.cityofboston.gov/bikes for more information including maps, events, resources and safety tips, or contact NUPD for information on bike safety and security as well as products and services by lock manufacturers and the National Bike Registry.
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