DATE: 12/23/2024
Table of Contents
OVERVIEW:
Cyber crime is expected to cost the world over $10 Trillion by 2025. As a consumer, student, employee, online banker, teacher- YOU ARE A TARGET.
This bulletin will explain common scams, highlight new emerging threats, best practices to improve your personal cybersecurity, and quick tips to stay protected.
NEW THREATS:
We've been receiving reports of phishing emails that are impersonating Kean University staff/faculty for malicious purposes. In this example, the impersonator appears to be acting as a Kean University employee inquiring about updating banking information. On the surface, the email seems normal as it says it's from an actual staff/faculty member. When inspecting the email in detail however, there are some key issues throughout the email. Firstly, the actual email address of the impersonator isn't a real Kean University designated email address, but a random outside based email address. Additionally, the email doesn't use a proper email signature used by Kean University employees and has a punctuation error. When reviewing emails, always verify the address to ensure it is from someone you know and be on the lookout for suspicious mistakes in the email contents.
BEST PRACTICES:
- Analyze Your Emails Thoroughly:
- Read the contents of the email thoroughly to spot any abnormalities or red flags that can hint towards a phishing email. These can include a non-affiliated Kean University email address, spelling and punctuation errors, and no use of a proper email signature.
- Verify With The Sender:
- If you're truly unsure of if you've been sent a phishing email or a legitamate one, reach out to the supposed sender and verify if they sent the email.
- Report the Phishing Email:
- If you know you've recieved a phishing email, utilize the built in report function in Outlook to report any phishing emails you encounter to make sure Kean IT can take action against the phishers.
- Think Before You Click:
- Many phishing emails will contain attachments, files, or links that the phishers want you to click in order to initiate their malicious actions. Don't click, open, or download any links, files, or attachments that you know are suspicious or unsure of.
QUICK TIPS TO STAY SAFE:
- Click slow
- When in doubt, call to confirm
- Never provide your username and password
- Never grant access to bank credentials
- Scroll over the senders name to see the actual email address the mail is coming from
- Kean IT will never ask you to submit your information via email
- Restrict your social media account updates to people you know
- Update your computer software
- Do not allow unknown entities to connect to your computer remotely
- Use strong passwords that combine letters, numbers, and symbols
Staying safe online requires vigilance and continuous learning. Cyber threats evolve every day, but by adopting these strategies, you can reduce your vulnerability and safeguard your digital life. Always question unusual requests, emails, or activities, and when in doubt—pause, verify, and act cautiously. Should you require any further assistance or have questions, please feel free to reach out to our dedicated helpdesk.