Spot and Stop Messaging Attacks

Jenny Blaine, Security Analyst with UMN's Twin Cities Office Information Technology (OIT), explained in a January 24, 2022 email to IT@UMN:

Messaging attacks occur when cyber attackers use SMS, texting, or similar messaging technologies to send you a message that fools you into doing something you should not do, such as provide your credit card details on a phony link, call a scam phone number to enter your banking information, or fill out a malicious online survey. These simple attacks have exploded in the past twelve months because they are so effective. The January 2022 edition of the "OUCH!" newsletter will help you spot the most common clues and protect yourself from messaging attacks.

We have seen text messaging attacks targeting the University community. Check a recent example.

See an advisory about abuse of Google services.

Related Resources:

• Practice Safe Computing
• Information Security Awareness Topics
• University IT Policies:
  • Information Security
  • Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources
  • Information Security Standards
• Learn how to report information security issues