Securing your digital life is more important than ever. Everything is online and conveniently digital, making it easy to overlook the risks. It's not just about protecting your data; it's about safeguarding your identity, your privacy, and your future. Think about all the personal moments, connections, and important information stored on your devices. Now, imagine losing them or having them misused by a stranger—or worse, by someone you trust. Digital crimes like hacking and identity theft can have lasting impacts, disrupting your life and causing emotional distress and anxiety. By taking steps to secure your digital presence, you're not just protecting your data—you’re preserving your peace of mind and ensuring that your online experiences remain positive and secure. Remember, in this digital world, a little precaution goes a long way.
Reporting Incidents
When filing a report, include the Ws (who, what, when, where) if available. You should not conduct personal investigations or try to manage issues internally. UC wants to guarantee confidentiality (for mandatory reporters), you should not delay reporting. Reports should be submitted within 24 hours once becoming aware of the allegations. Be aware that reporting is different than logging a formal complaint.
Information on making a report University of Cincinnati Police Department
Protecting Your Financial Security
Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information or financial information without your knowledge or permission. This information expands beyond PII including your name, address, credit card number, social security numbers, bank accounts, medical records, identification card, student ID, divers license, etc.
To lock down your credit profiles and protect against identity theft.
What you will need to lock down your credit:
- Your full name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and any utility bill or driver’s license to prove your identity.
- Contact each credit bureau, Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. You can freeze your credit online, by phone, or by mail.
- Wait for the credit bureaus to implement the freeze. By law, requests for credit freezes received by phone or online must be implemented within one business day
Identity Theft
Protect Yourself and Others
If you or someone you know are a victim of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking—whether on or off campus—the University of Cincinnati is here to support you. Your safety and the well-being of everyone are our top priorities. This page provides essential security tips and includes resources for reporting incidents.
Remember, acts of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking are serious criminal offenses. You are NOT responsible for someone else’s actions that violate your freedom.Explore this page to learn more about how to protect yourself, report incidents, and access support services.
Tips on social media safety and privacy settings:
Staying Safe on Campus and Beyond
The following tips may reduce your risk for many different types of crimes, including sexual violence.
- Know your resources.It's important to know who to contact if you or a friend needs help. Identify safe places to go, such as the campus health center, the campus police station, and a local sexual assault service provider. Be aware of the locations of emergency phones on campus and save the UC campus security numbers in your cell phone for quick access.
- Stay alert.As you navigate through campus or the nearby areas, remain vigilant of your environment. Think about bringing a friend along or requesting an escort from campus security. When alone, it's advisable to use headphones in just one ear to maintain awareness of your surroundings.
- Avoid posting your location. Many social media sites, like Facebook and Instagram, use geolocation to publicly share your location. Consider disabling privacy settings and reviewing othersocial media settings.
- Others should earn your trust.The college atmosphere may create an illusion of safety. While it's easy to make quick connections, it's wise to allow time for people to prove their trustworthiness before you depend on them.
- Have a Plan B. Consider devising contingency plans for challenging scenarios. If your phone's battery depletes, ensure you have important contact numbers memorized. Keep emergency cash on hand in the event that credit cards fail. Memorize your dorm or college address. For drivers, it's wise to have a hidden spare key, ensure your car has fuel, and carry jumper cables.
- Stay secure.Ensure that your doors and windows are locked when you're asleep or when you leave the room. If the main entrance to the dorm or apartment is frequently left propped open, report it to security or a responsible authority figure.
UC Services & Resources
Survivor Services Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy Making a Report Bearcat Guardian App Safe Campus Life FAQs
