Monday, April 8th
Are you being phished?
Over the past year, Information Security has conducted various phishing tests to assess the security awareness of the University workforce and further educate the community on the importance of vigilance when interacting with emails. Being cautious of official-looking messages attempting to deceive you into disclosing personal information is essential. Phishing emails may appear to originate from reputable applications, banks, organizations, stores, or contests. However, there are several methods to identify these as phishing attempts. University IT has compiled tips using real-life phishing examples.
If you suspect an email to be “phishy,” refrain from responding, clicking links, or opening attachments. Please report any suspicious activity as soon as possible by forwarding the email as an attachment to abuse@rochester.edu. Instructions on forwarding emails are available here.
For any IT security-related inquiries, Information Security will hold its next “Ask Security Anything” session on June 5th. For more information, please visit the ASA webpage, or add the reminder to your calendar here.
Monday, April 15th
What To Know About Crypto Scams
Malicious actors increasingly use social media platforms to lure users into cryptocurrency schemes. Particularly prevalent are investment scams that promise zero risk and high returns. These scams often begin with unsolicited texts or emails. It is crucial to avoid clicking on any links or advertisements, even if they appear to come from a reputable company. Be wary of any business or individual requesting payment via cryptocurrency, as this is a common scam indicator.
Cryptocurrency scams are not confined to social media alone. The government’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) offers comprehensive information regarding cryptocurrency’s workings and its various scams.
Monday, April 22nd
You can’t always trust your ‘friends’
Social media security experts report an increase in clickbait posts, messages, and comments designed to trick you into clicking links. Examples include tagged messages like “I’m really going to miss him” with an obituary link. These fake links lead to pages that ask for your social media login, aiming to steal your credentials. Avoid clicking on such links to protect your account. The BBB provides additional insight into this scam and how to protect yourself.
Monday, April 29th
Answering fun questions on social media puts your identity in jeopardy
Social media can be a distraction for many people; however, University IT advises that it may lead to sharing more personal information than intended. Social media quizzes requesting details like “combine your first pet’s name and the street you grew up on to formulate your new nickname” can enable scammers to use such information to bypass password security questions. Additionally, they could review public-facing information from profiles to assist in identity theft.The Better Business Bureau provides tips to prevent social media scams.