"Phishing" is the attempt by others to con you out of your money, your access, or even your identity by tricking you into providing sensitive information, such as your password or bank account number. Phishing also puts the university at risk for loss or breach of data, loss of systems, and network downtime, as well as regulatory fines and other impacts. We must maintain a healthy dose of paranoia to protect ourselves and the university from predators.
How can I protect myself from a phishing attack?
- Be suspicious of any requests for your personal information.
- Do not, under any circumstances, provide your username, password or other personal information in response to an email - no matter how urgent or legitimate that message may seem.
- Forward suspicious messages to the ITS Help Desk at helpdesk@uwplatt.edu .
- Do not click links or open attachments you are not expecting.
- You may inadvertently install viruses and spyware on your computer.
- Ask yourself, "Does this make sense?" Would this person contact you regarding this topic?
- Verify the information in the email by contacting the alleged sender through other means (e.g. phone call).
- When in doubt, contact the ITS Help Desk.
- Learn to recognize commonly used phishing methods i.e. urging quick response or using a university logo that isn’t quite right.
- Familiarize yourself with Security -- Spear Phishing
NOTE: Phishing is not limited to email. Phishing attacks occur via phone, text, apps, social media, and even snail mail.
REMEMBER: ITS will never ask you for your password or other personal information in an email. Never ever. Seriously!
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.