Hi Stars,
As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure digital environment, we want to remind everyone about the importance of recognizing and avoiding phishing emails. Cybercriminals use these fraudulent messages to trick you into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal data.
What is Phishing?
Phishing is a cyber-attack where attackers disguise themselves as trustworthy entities to steal sensitive information. These attacks often come in the form of emails, messages, or websites that look legitimate but are actually malicious.
Example of a Phishing Email
Below is an example of a phishing email with key indicators highlighted:
Key Indicators of Phishing Emails:
- IT Department will never email you to verify your account: Legitimate institutions will not ask you to verify account details via email.
- Urgent and Threatening Emails: Be wary of emails that create a sense of urgency or threaten negative consequences.
- Poor Punctuation and Grammar: Phishing emails often contain noticeable grammar and punctuation errors.
- Suspicious URLs: Always hover over links to see the actual URL. Phishing emails may use URLs that look like legitimate services but direct you to malicious sites.
What You Can Do:
- Hover Over Links: Before clicking any link, hover your cursor over it to see the true destination.
- Verify the Source: If you receive an unexpected email, verify its authenticity by contacting the organization directly using contact information from their official website.
- Report Suspicious Emails: If you suspect an email is phishing, report it to our IT department immediately.
Protecting Our Organization:
It is crucial that we all stay vigilant to protect our organization's data and systems. Here are some additional steps you can take:
- Keep Software Updated: Ensure your computer and applications are up to date with the latest security patches.
- Use Strong Passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for your accounts and change them regularly.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Where possible, enable two-factor authentication for an added layer of security.
By staying informed and cautious, we can protect ourselves and our organization from phishing attacks. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thanks & Regards
SecOps Team