Security - Example: Phishing attempt spoofs BILSA dean 04.20.20

Examples of ways to identify a phishing attempt

How can I tell if a message is legit?

Be suspicious if ANY of these clues appear...

  1. Misspelled name
  2. Not uwplatt email address
  3. Strong sense of urgency
  4. Incorrect punctuation
  5. Unofficial signature 

NOTE: This is also an example of a Security -- Spear Phishing

Spear phishing attempts may have one or more of these characteristics:

  • Appears to come from a valid name/email address (your boss, a colleague, a trusted contact)
  • Includes full signature block of same trusted contact
  • Appears to come from a trusted contact but uses a non-UW-Platteville email address (adm.e@ec.rr.com)
  • Contains a short, urgent message for the purpose of initiating contact, e.g. “Got a minute?”

Part 1: The Message

Spear Phishing Example

Need help?

If you have questions, please contact the ITS Help Desk at 608.342.1400 or helpdesk@uwplatt.edu.  You may also visit the Help Desk on the first floor of the Karrmann Library.

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Explanation of spear phishing, as well as how to spot and handle the messages.