Student Account: Suspicious Activity Alert
When a user attempts to log into our Portal and services using a private VPN that has a high percentage of abuse, their account will be locked and flagged as a potential risk. They will have a notice on-screen stating "We've detected suspicious activity on your account and your account has been locked"
The user will need to submit a ticket themselves via our webform to request us to unlock their account: Request Technology Support | Shasta College https://www.shastacollege.edu/current-students/request-technology-support/
As a reminder, their account was flagged as high-risk and would be temporarily locked out due to internet activity from an anonymous (proxy) VPN service.
If the user is not sure what that means or are not using a VPN, their account may have been compromised.
It has also come to our attention that sometimes users hear about VPN services, install the VPN app, and begin using it without being fully aware of what it does or when it's running. Here are some examples of popular anonymous VPN that users may be using:
- Express VPN
- Nord VPN
- SurfShark VPN
- Proton VPN
- Private Internet Access
- Tor
Recently many browsers have also added a built-in VPN mode, please make sure you aren't using that mode or plugin while accessing Shasta College resources.
Also be aware that VPN's that install a mobile app or configure a system-wide VPN on your phone or tablet are very likely to cause an account lockout if you also use that device for your Shasta College email. This is due to email apps constantly running in the background and accessing Shasta College resources.
Again, just a reminder that you cannot use an anonymous (proxy) VPN service while accessing Shasta College resources.