Handling Compromised HCC Accounts

This article provides guidance to faculty, staff, and students if an unauthorized person has gained access to their HCC password. It covers how to change your HCC password and check your email for fraudulent activity.

Compromised Accounts Overview

When someone that is not you gains access to your credentials (i.e., username, passwords), your account is considered to be compromised. This means that unauthorized persons are able to use your credentials to pose as you, and the privacy of your data is at risk. HCC Information Security monitors email traffic, logon IP location, and if our systems find a suspicious pattern or behavior, we will notify you that your account has been compromised.

If you receive this notification, or if you notice that you are unable to log into your HCC email and HCC services with your HCC credentials, the sections below provide some steps that you can immediately take to protect your information. Additionally, be aware of any unprompted Duo notifications you may receive on your device as that may indicate somebody is trying to access your account.

Be suspicious of any email message that urges you to take immediate action; a false sense of urgency is a red flag for a phishing scam. Always remember that a legitimate message from HCC Information Technology will never ask that you enter your credentials. 

Securing Your HCC Account

If your account is compromised, but you are still able to log into your HCC account.

Visit https://login.howardcc.edu/identity/self-service/hcc/smsreset.jsf and utilize the PIN reset feature to create a new password.

• Click here for instructions on how to reset your password using the PIN reset feature.

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