With the 2025 holiday season in swing, the Office of Information Technology (OIT) would like to remind the Georgia Tech community to remain alert against cyberthreats. The OIT Cybersecurity department has reported an uptick in phishing activity across the campus as digital interactions peak during this time of year. 

To help you stay vigilant, OIT offers these holiday cybersafety tips:   

Think Before You Click: Do not click on links or open attachments in suspicious emails or text messages. Cyber attackers may attempt to gather personal information through phishing and other fraudulent attempts by asking you to confirm purchase or account information, including passwords. Never provide sensitive information through these methods. Legitimate businesses and organizations will never ask for your personal information through email or text. 

Two-Factor Authentication Scams: Never approve Duo two-factor authentication requests you did not initiate. If you receive an unexpected prompt, deny it immediately.   

Shop Smart and Secure: Use only reputable websites that you know and trust. Type URLs directly into your browser instead of clicking on links in messages, especially from unfamiliar retailers. Always verify the legitimacy of a company before supplying your financial information, such as credit/debit card numbers. Also, if an offer seems too good to be true — it often is. 

Use a Credit Card for Online Transactions: There are laws to limit your liability for fraudulent credit card charges, but you may not have the same level of protection when using debit cards. Always check your card statements for fraudulent or unrecognizable charges. Immediately notify your financial institution and local law enforcement if you discover fraud.   

Georgia Tech students, faculty, and staff are urged to report suspicious emails through Microsoft Outlook’s Report Phishing, even if the message appears to come from someone with an Institute email address. Campus members who believe their Georgia Tech account has been compromised should immediately contact OIT’s Cybersecurity Operations Center at soc@gatech.edu.  

We hope the Georgia Tech community remains vigilant against cyberthreats this holiday season — and throughout 2026.