UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — To protect students and the security of University information, Penn State Information Technology (IT) will introduce sending limits of 200 emails per day on student Outlook accounts starting April 10. 

The University has recently experienced a drastic increase in accounts being taken over through email phishing attempts. Phishing is when “bad actors” use deceptive email messages or websites to trick users into revealing confidential information such as Penn State login credentials. Once the accounts are taken over, they are used to send SPAM/Phishing emails in an attempt to compromise numerous other accounts.  

In addition to the email sending limit, students can help prevent attacks by being aware of multifactor authentication requests sent to their enrolled devices. Students who believe they have accidentally accepted one of these requests should report the incident through Penn State’s IT Help Portal so their account can be reviewed to ensure it is not compromised.  

While this sending limit will not impact the day-to-day usage for most students, Information Security will consider granting exceptions on a case-by-case basis. To request an exception, fill out this Request Exception Form. 

Any questions regarding this new measure should be directed to the IT Service Desk via chat, through a Get Help ticket, via phone at (814) 865-4357 or by email at ITservicedesk@psu.edu.