Becoming More Aware of Possible Phishing Attempts

Introduction

PHISHING ATTEMPTS NEVER END

There has been an exponential increase in the attempts to lure unsuspecting victims into targeted phishing campaigns.

Avoid becoming a victim of a phishing attack.

Instructions

Don’t take the Hook:

1. Stay alert for potential phishing attempts. This will help reduce phishing and account compromises.
2. Be wary of ALL emails or requests that ask you to:
   • Input username and passwords - regardless of where they appear to be from.
   • Input your username and password into an online form.
   • Change another users’ account information - even if the request appears to be from someone you know. 
   • Request a favor like purchasing gift cards.
   • Have Implications of urgency or some type of emergency.
   • Have frequent misspellings of words or choppy sentence structure.
3. Verify it!
   • In Microsoft Outlook, double click the sender to make sure the sender is from within the organization (@minnstate.edu)
   • Contact the person who sent you the email to ensure the message was actually sent by them.

Important! If you believe you have been phished...

1. Contact the IT Service Desk ASAP if you believe your computer has been compromised.
2. Change your passwords for all relevant accounts.
3. Send phishing attempts and spam using the instructions below. 

You can report a suspicious email at any time

1. Highlight the suspicious message in your inbox. Do not forward it.
2. Utilize the Report Message button  on the right-hand side of the Home ribbon.
3. If you do not see the Report Message button, please complete the following steps:

·        

Outlook 2019 - Windows PC’s

1. Highlight the suspicious message in your inbox.
2. Use the key combination (CONTROL)(ALT)(F) to create a new email that automatically attaches the suspicious email (this is important). 
3. Address the email To: phishing@stcloudstate.edu

Outlook 2019 - MacOS

1. Highlight the suspicious message in your inbox.
2. Use the key combination (CONTROL)(COMMAND)(J) to create a new email that automatically attaches the suspicious email (this is important). 
3. Address the email To: phishing@stcloudstate.edu

Apple Mail - MacOS

1. There is no “Report message” button or key-stroke shortcut.
2. In this situation simply use the “forward as attachment” option.
3. Address the email To: phishing@stcloudstate.edu

Anytime you receive a suspicious email

• NEVER click on the links.
• NEVER act on an email that asks for your login credentials.
• ALWAYS report it immediately. Use the instructions above.

Thank you for your vigilance in keeping data safe!