10/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/07/2024 13:19
In today's interconnected world, email is an integral part of our lives. However, as the digital landscape continues to evolve, so do the tactics employed by cybercriminals.
One particularly concerning trend is the rise in email impersonation attempts and phishing.
Phishing emails look legitimate but are designed to trick individuals into revealing personal information, such as passwords or credit card numbers. They may include embedded links that can also lead to the installation of malware - software designed to cause damage to a computer, device or system.
"When faculty, staff and students use computers on campus, Concordia's firewall and desktop tools provide a certain amount of protection. Now, with people using their own phones or computers more often, we often don't know what level of protection is available on their home devices," says Mike Popoff, chief information security officer at Concordia's Instructional and Information Technology Services (IITS).
"That's why users should be hypervigilant. It's important for people to recognize phishing emails, which usually have a call to action or a link or ask for credentials or personal info."
Popoff emphasizes the importance of adopting a proactive stance against these threats. To that end, he shares some actionable tips to help keep safe from phishing emails as well as from being impersonated:
Most people's inboxes are full of dubious messages. Here are some simple ground rules for identifying unwanted email:
The main goal of phishing is to trick you into performing a desired action such as clicking a link, downloading an attachment or filling out a form. Here are a few warning signs to look out for:
Here are some ways to protect your personal information and the Concordia community:
It is equally important to practice good security habits, such as using strong and unique passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication and keeping your devices and software up to date.
Beyond individual changes, students are encouraged to watch these short information capsules, and faculty and staff should complete Concordia's impersonation awareness training as well as the mandatory phishing training to stay up to date on ways to reduce data breaches.
"We are all in this together. If you suspect an email to be fraudulent or encounter any suspicious activity, please report it immediately to IITS," says Popoff.
"Your vigilance can make a significant difference in protecting yourself and the Concordia community."
Visit the Concordia's IT Security page to learn valuable information about protecting your identity.