Protecting UB accounts: A guide for students and parents

Students paying attention in a class.

Published April 11, 2024

As a UB student, your UBITName is your gateway to essential university services and resources. It’s crucial to keep your account secure and confidential. Here are some important guidelines to follow: 

Activate your UBITName and set a strong passphrase

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Headshot of IT Communications Specialist Michael Canfield.

Michael Canfield joined UB in January 2023 as an IT Communications Specialist for UBIT. A former newspaper reporter with a background in higher ed communication, Michael is also a volunteer firefighter. When he’s not writing or learning about all things UBIT, Michael likes to spend time with his wife and two English bulldogs. 

When you activate your UBITName, you gain access to a wide variety of tools and software at UB. Remember that your UB account is specifically for you as a student and should not be accessible by anyone else...including your parents. Be sure to review UB’s Computer and Network Use Policy. 

Choose a strong passphrase: Create a unique and robust passphrase that combines uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

Duo two-step verification

As a UB student, you’re required to use Duo two-step verification to access most UB services. This adds an extra layer of security to your account. When you log in, you’ll receive a prompt on your registered device to verify your identity. 

It’s important to be cautious and only approve Duo requests that you initiated yourself. 

FERPA and your UBITName account

Your UBITName login and password are not part of FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). This means that completing a FERPA release form doesn’t automatically grant access to your account.

UBIT will never give your credentials to someone else, even if they’re a parent or other family member. 

What personal information is in your UB account?

  • Personal/demographic information: Includes your name, address, and phone number.  
  • Financial information: This section includes eBill details and payment methods. 
  • Academic information: Your transcripts, academic advising reports, and class schedules are stored here.   

Sharing safely

Instead of giving out your password or adding others’ devices to your Duo account (which compromises security), there are other ways to share information.  You can share personal information, financial information and academic information all from the HUB Student Center. UB has a guide for parents paying on student accounts online. 

Need help?

If you need help with your UBITName account, contact the UBIT Help Center online or call (716) 645-3542.