Jenny Blaine, Security Analyst with UMN's Twin Cities Office Information Technology (OIT), explained in an November 20, 2020 email to IT@UMN:
A common misconception about cyber attackers is that they use only highly advanced tools and techniques to hack into computers or accounts. Cyber attackers have learned that the easiest way to steal your information, hack your accounts, or infect your systems is to simply trick you into doing it for them. The November 2020 edition of the "OUCH!" newsletter covers how these attacks work and how to easily spot and stop them.
See examples of scams targeting the University community at z.umn.edu/phishing. Get a second opinion before you click! Forward suspected phishing and scam emails to [email protected].
Also, the last six weeks of the year are prime time for scams of all kinds. Beware of deals that seem too good to be true or offers that you did not initiate. When you're choosing devices to purchase, use Mozilla's Privacy Not Included page to see ratings for popular devices.
Related Resources:
- Practice Safe Computing
- Information Security Awareness Topics
- University IT Policies:
- Learn how to report information security issues