Beware of phishing attacks at URI
Bridgette Blight
Issue date: 4/14/09 Section: Editorial/Opinion
So what can be done? There are a few simple steps that can be taken to help protect yourself and others from phishing scams.
1. Use common sense. Be suspicious. Any legitimate institution will never ask you for your account information via e-mail. If you get a message asking to verify your account information, do not respond to it. If you are concerned, contact the institution directly.
2. Make sure your computer has the most recent updates and an anti-virus program. URI offers McAfee anti-virus free of charge to all faculty, staff and students.
3. Don't click on links in e-mails. Copy and paste the link. Links in phishing e-mails often say they are for one Web site but go to another.
4. Share this information with others. Even technically savvy people fall for phishing scams. It is a form of social engineering. Scammers lull people into a false sense of security by claiming to be part of a trusted institution, like a school or bank.
If you have any questions about phishing, go to antiphishing.org. You can also contact the URI Help Desk at (401)874-HELP with questions or concerns about suspicious e-mails.
1. Use common sense. Be suspicious. Any legitimate institution will never ask you for your account information via e-mail. If you get a message asking to verify your account information, do not respond to it. If you are concerned, contact the institution directly.
2. Make sure your computer has the most recent updates and an anti-virus program. URI offers McAfee anti-virus free of charge to all faculty, staff and students.
3. Don't click on links in e-mails. Copy and paste the link. Links in phishing e-mails often say they are for one Web site but go to another.
4. Share this information with others. Even technically savvy people fall for phishing scams. It is a form of social engineering. Scammers lull people into a false sense of security by claiming to be part of a trusted institution, like a school or bank.
If you have any questions about phishing, go to antiphishing.org. You can also contact the URI Help Desk at (401)874-HELP with questions or concerns about suspicious e-mails.
Be the first to comment on this story