During the holidays, staff and faculty need to remain cautious about online security. The end of the year brings an increasing number of phishing attacks that use email or malicious websites to trick us into providing personal information.

Scammers use this time of year to craft loads of phishing emails under the disguise of holiday e-cards, party invitations, product deals and discounts, travel notifications and package delivery updates. Scammers use social media to find information that will make their fake emails sound more authentic, so it’s important not to overshare information online.

Scammers use phishing emails and hoax websites to trick you to:

• Click on a link so you will not lose access to University services (usually email). Remember Fresno State does not ask for this information in an email.
• Click on file attachments that can infect your computer.
• Click on links that take you to hoax websites that will infect your computer just by visiting those websites.
• Hand over your user credentials (password) so that they can gain access to your accounts.

To protect yourself online, think before you act. Be wary of email that wants you to act immediately.

Technology Services recommends that you:

• Delete suspicious emails and leave hoax websites that ask you for personal information
• Do not click or go to the websites in suspicious emails
• Avoid opening attachments or forwarding emails from unknown senders
• Report suspected phishing email to reportphishing@listserv.csufresno.edu
• Contact your local technology support person or the Help Desk (278.5000)