Hello UMBC Community,
We rely on Duo two-factor authentication to protect our accounts, and it's an excellent defense. However, cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to get past our security. This week's topic is all about what to do if you receive a Duo push notification you didn't initiate.
You're working on your computer, not logging into anything new, and suddenly your phone buzzes with Duo push notifications, including SMS texts or phone calls from Duo. What's happening? This is likely an attacker who has obtained your password and is attempting to bypass Duo to access your account.
Your immediate action is critical.
Do NOT Approve It: The most important thing is to never approve a Duo push notification you did not initiate. Approving it will give the attacker access to your account.
Deny the Request: Decline the request on your phone.
Report as Fraudulent: If you can, mark the notification as fraudulent.
Change Your Password: Immediately change your password on a trusted device or computer. This will invalidate the password the attacker is using.
Remember, a Duo push notification is like a digital handshake. You must be the one to initiate it. If someone else is trying to shake your hand, don't approve the connection!
If you received a Duo push notification you did not initiate, deny the request, change your password, and immediately report the event to the security team at security@umbc.edu. Your report helps protect everyone!
Stay safe out there.
Name: Katelyn Kelly
Pronouns: She/her
Semester of Internship: Fall 2025
Major: Political Science & Media and Communications Studies
Current Class Level: Senior
This semester I completed a(n)...: Internship
Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): Baltimore County Council
Location of the Organization (City, State): Catonsville, MD
Title of position: Communications & Campaign Intern
Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:
During my internship with a Baltimore County Council campaign, I gained hands-on experience in local government and political communications. My day-to-day responsibilities included drafting social media content, creating graphics, and helping to manage the campaign's online presence to engage voters and increase visibility. I assisted with community outreach by coordinating events, distributing flyers, and interacting with constituents to share the candidate's platform and gather feedback. I also conducted research on local issues and voter demographics to help inform campaign strategy. In addition, I regularly attended events alongside the candidate, helping with setup, engaging with community members, and supporting the campaign's efforts to build strong connections with voters. This role allowed me to strengthen my communication, organizational, and teamwork skills while learning how grassroots efforts and digital media shape local elections.
Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I learned about the Baltimore County Council campaign internship through a campus announcement and word of mouth from my department. After researching the candidate and the campaign's goals, I reached out directly to the campaign team to express my interest and learn more about the opportunity. I submitted my application soon after, including my résumé and a brief statement about my experience in communications and political science. Following a short interview to discuss my skills and availability, I was offered the position and began preparing to join the team. The process was straightforward and moved quickly, allowing me to get involved early in the campaign season.
What resources did you use to find your current experience?
Faculty Connections
What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?
What I have enjoyed most about my position is the opportunity to use my voice and discover my own in the process. Working on a local campaign has allowed me to share ideas, create content, and communicate messages that resonate with the community while also learning how to speak confidently about issues that matter to me. Being trusted to draft posts, engage with voters, and represent the campaign at events has helped me develop a stronger sense of my own perspective and how to express it effectively. This experience has not only strengthened my communication skills but also shown me the impact of using my voice to support meaningful change.
How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
I believe I have made an impact by helping the campaign connect more effectively with the community and share its message in a clear, engaging way. Through creating social media content, assisting at events, and interacting with voters, I've helped raise awareness of the candidate's platform and encouraged more people to get involved in the local election process. My work in researching local issues and supporting outreach efforts has also contributed to shaping strategies that reflect the needs and concerns of constituents. Even in a behind-the-scenes role, I feel that my efforts have strengthened the campaign's visibility and helped build meaningful relationships with voters.
What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
My advice to another student seeking an internship or similar experience is to be proactive and open-minded. Don't be afraid to reach out directly to organizations or campaigns that interest you, even if they haven't posted an official opening—many opportunities come from showing initiative. Highlight the skills you already have, but also express your willingness to learn and take on new challenges. Networking with professors, classmates, and campus organizations can also lead to valuable connections. Most importantly, choose an experience that aligns with your passions, because when you care about the work, you'll gain more confidence, develop your voice, and make the most of every opportunity.
Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center.
"I loved how this internship gave me the chance to use my voice and build confidence while supporting a local campaign. The Career Center's resources and guidance made it easier to find and pursue an opportunity that matched my interests and goals."
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