BeCyberSmart: Don’t Get Hooked by Phishing

Recognizing Phishing Attempts

Phishing scams are attempts by hackers to steal your personal information, including passwords, credit card numbers, or other sensitive data. These scams often come in the form of deceptive emails, messages, or websites that mimic legitimate organizations but have malicious intentions.

Signs of a Phishing Scam

• Unsolicited Communications: If you receive an email or message you did not expect, especially one prompting you to click on a link or download an attachment, be suspicious.
• Mismatched URLs: Hover over any links in the email. If the link address looks weird or does not match the supposed sender’s website, it may be a scam.
• Spelling and Grammar Mistakes: Professional organizations proofread their messages. Multiple errors in the text are red flags.
• Requests for Sensitive Information: Legitimate organizations will not ask for sensitive information through email or text.

Oberlin’s Prevention Measures

At Oberlin, we prioritize your digital security. Our systems are designed to filter out as many phishing attempts as possible, but no system is perfect. Awareness and vigilance from every community member play a crucial role in our collective digital safety.

What to Do If You Suspect Phishing

• Do not click or download: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from suspicious emails.
• Verify the Sender: If in doubt, contact the organization or individual directly using a known phone number or website.
• Report It: If you receive a phishing email, please report it as phishing using the Google Web Client.
  1. On a computer, go to Gmail .
  2. Open the message.
  3. Next to Reply , click More .
  4. Click Report phishing.

Stay Alert, Stay Safe

Remember, the most effective way to prevent phishing is staying alert. Always scrutinize unsolicited communications and never give out personal information without verification. With cautious online behavior, we can collectively thwart phishing attempts and secure our digital environment at Oberlin.

Stay tuned for more BeCyberSmart tips throughout Cybersecurity Awareness Month!