October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. To mark the occasion, the Information Security Office will share advice throughout the month to help members of the Case Western Reserve University community learn the essentials of cybersecurity and how you can protect themselves online. This week will focus on one of the most common cyber threats: phishing.
These scams trick you into sharing sensitive information by posing as legitimate emails. Here’s how to avoid getting reeled in:
- Check the sender: Look closely at the sender’s email address. Does it look legitimate, or is it a jumble of random characters? If it’s off, it probably is.
- Hover over links: Before clicking, hover over any links to see where they lead. If the URL doesn’t look familiar or trustworthy, don’t click. Phishers often use links that seem real at first glance.
- Beware of urgent wording: Phishers want you to act fast. If an email demands immediate action, take a breath and contact the company or person directly through a known, trusted method.
- Spot the red flags: Phishing emails often have poor grammar, spelling errors, and generic greetings like “Dear Customer.” Legitimate sources usually know your name and get it right.
- Avoid links for login: If an email asks you to log in, go directly to the website by typing the URL yourself. This avoids hidden traps in email links.
- Keep your software updated: Update your software and security settings regularly. This is a simple way to keep your devices secure.
By following these tips, you can protect yourself from phishing and keep your information safe. Remember, security is everyone’s responsibility.