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Phishing Safety Tips

Phishing is the attempt to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit or debit account details by impersonating a trustworthy source, normally by email. It's up to all of us to learn how to identify fraudulent emails in order to protect our own data, as well as the data of the University.

Fraudulent emails that phishers may try to use can include "Confirmation Emails" or "Helpdesk or Support Emails". However, these aren't the only methods phishers can use. Malicious website URLs are another way that phishers will try to obtain your information. Can you spot the difference in the malicious URL?

  • Malicious URL - http://www.american.expres.com
  • Malicious URL - http://www.arnerican.express.com
  • Legitimate URL - http://www.americanexpress.com

Use caution when clicking on embedded links as your eyes can play tricks on you as it is easy to miss the subtle differences. Fraudsters are counting on users to miss these minor differences.

By increasing your data privacy efforts at a person level, you can protect not only your personal information, but the information of the University as well.

For more tips on how to protect yourself against phishing, check out the entire presentation here.