Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Phishing

Technology alone cannot fully protect you - you are the best defense. Attackers have learned that the easiest way to get what they want is to target you, rather than your computer or other devices. If they want your password, work data or control of your computer, they'll attempt to trick you into giving it to them:  Links in emails, tweets, texts, posts, social media messages and online advertising are the easiest way for cybercriminals to get your sensitive information.

Did you know:

  • 91% of hacking starts with a phishing email
  • 50% of recipients open a phishing email and click on links within the first hour of receipt
  • 1 million+ malicious emails/month blocked by Technology Services

If you receive an enticing offer via text or email, or with an attachment, don’t be so quick. Think before you click and consider steps that you can take to protect yourself and the organization against cybercriminals.

  • Watch for the External Banner. If the email has the external banner, approach the email with extreme caution, even if it looks like it’s coming from an Acadia email.  If the email was in quarantine, there is a reason for it. Be extra vigilant about releasing it.
  • When in doubt, throw it out. Go directly to the company’s website to verify if it is legitimate. Even if the sender details appear to be accurate, if the email looks “phishy”, do not respond and do not click on any links or open attachments or provide your login credentials.  Report to Technology Services by clicking the Phish Alert button.
  • Learn to recognize the Red Flags in suspicious emails:

Did you participate in the Week 1 draw? Take a minute and answer the questions for an opportunity to win prizes: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=7sy4OP2s60CXLlUtfNVIo34-FfGZJp1Ol3cndUCnE6pURDQ1WDZXSjhEODhJS08zVURKWUEzSkRCOC4u. The draw will occur this evening.

Participate to Win:
Follow TS on Twitter and Facebook for Cybersecurity posts and a Cybersecurity video.  Our Friday post will contain a link to participate for prizes. Technology Services would like to thank our prize sponsors (Dell, Cisco & Fortinet).   
There are a variety of prizes, such as Yeti Mugs, Smart Key Locators and Backpacks. The grand prize is an Echo Dot.  
Participate and your name is automatically entered into the draws. If you play each week, the more chances you have to win.
Participation is open to all students and employees.

All materials for 2020 Acadia Cybersecurity Awareness Month are found on the HUB at: https://hub.acadiau.ca/TDClient/KB/ArticleDet?ID=986.

CONTACT:
Acadia Technology Services
http://ts.acadiau.ca
hub.acadiau.ca
Live Chat
902-585-4357 | 1-888-609-3330
Twitter | Facebook

SUPPORT:
All maintenance and Service Advisories are posted in several locations:  Twitter or Facebook or the TS website.  All scheduled work is placed on the Maintenance Calendar.  
Follow our Tuesday Tech Tips - https://hub.acadiau.ca/TDClient/KB/?CategoryID=124
For an overview on Technology Services Support Protocols, please see: https://hub.acadiau.ca/TDClient/KB/ArticleDet?ID=924

Go back