Lumberjacks,
We are writing to remind you about the importance of practicing safe email habits and staying vigilant against phishing attacks. Phishing attacks continue to pose a significant threat to our digital security, and it is crucial that we all remain proactive in protecting ourselves and our valuable information.
What is Phishing?
Phishing is a fraudulent practice where cybercriminals attempt to deceive individuals by posing as trustworthy entities in order to steal sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, credit card details, or other personal data. These attackers often use email as their primary method of communication, making it essential for us to be aware and cautious while handling emails.
To help you avoid falling victim to phishing attacks, here are some essential guidelines to follow:
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Be Wary of Suspicious Emails: Exercise caution when opening emails from unknown senders or those that seem unusual. Look for signs such as misspellings, poor grammar, generic greetings, or unexpected requests for personal or financial information. Always scrutinize emails before clicking on any links or opening attachments. **SFA will never send you an email with a link to verify or reset your password or two-factor method. Always use links published on mySFA or help.sfasu.edu if you need to reset your password.**
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Verify the Sender's Identity: Double-check the email address of the sender to ensure it matches the official email domain of the organization or individual they claim to represent. If you are uncertain about the authenticity of an email, contact the sender using a separate and verified means of communication to confirm their request.
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Think Before You Click: Avoid clicking on links embedded within emails unless you are confident about their source and destination. Hover over hyperlinks to view the actual URL before clicking. Be cautious of shortened URLs or suspicious-looking web addresses. When in doubt, it's safer to navigate directly to the website through your browser instead of relying on email links.
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Be Vigilant with Attachments: Exercise caution when opening email attachments, especially if they are unexpected or from unknown sources. Malicious attachments can contain harmful software that can compromise your computer or network. Scan all attachments with an up-to-date antivirus program before opening them.
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Protect Your Personal Information: Legitimate organizations will never request sensitive information, such as passwords, Social Security numbers, or credit card details, via email. Be cautious of emails that ask for such information, and never provide it unless you have verified the authenticity of the request through secure means of communication.
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Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system, web browsers, antivirus software, and other applications to ensure you have the latest security patches and bug fixes. Outdated software can have vulnerabilities that cybercriminals exploit to gain unauthorized access to your system.
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Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest phishing techniques and cybersecurity best practices. Take advantage of resources provided by our institution, such as security awareness training programs and informational sessions. By educating yourself, you become better equipped to identify and mitigate potential threats.
Remember, protecting our digital environment is a collective effort. If you suspect that you have received a phishing email or fallen victim to a phishing attack, please report it immediately to the SFA Help Desk via email helpdesk@sfasu.edu or by calling 936-468-4357. They will be able to guide you on the appropriate actions to take.
Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to maintaining a secure digital environment within our institution. Together, we can defend against cyber-threats and safeguard our valuable information.
Stay safe and stay secure!
Thanks,
ITS