Hackers hope their victims are uninformed and easily persuaded, because that’s the perfect recipe for success in their business. If users don’t know what to look out for, they can easily be baited into downloading malware, or giving up confidential information.
- Don’t feel forced into immediate action.
- If you receive a suspicious email that is threatening and requiring immediate action, take a moment to decide what your next step should be.
- Is this an email about your banking or credit card account? Then you should contact that institution directly, by phone whenever possible.
- Is this a message saying that you have a virus on your system? Perhaps you should run your antivirus software scan.
- Taking a few moments to assess the situation and make your own decision can really make a difference and keep your accounts safe.
- If you receive a suspicious email that is threatening and requiring immediate action, take a moment to decide what your next step should be.
- Many times your account or device hasn’t been compromised, and the hacker is leading you to a link that will compromise your account/device.
- Remember that hovering over a link will show you its true destination. This is a good way to verify the website.
- Do not download any attachments included in any suspicious emails or use links provided within the body of the email to visit a suggested website.
Detailed information regarding phishing scams and other IT security topics are available on our IT Security website at: SecureIT.Fordham.edu or from our blog at itsecurity.blog.fordham.edu
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact IT Customer Care at (718) 817-3999 or via email to: HelpIT@fordham.edu.
