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MCC Daily Tribune

Don't Get Phished!

A recent KnowBe4 blog post noted that data suggest 98% of cyber attacks rely on social engineering. Cyber criminals use very sophisticated tactics, so it is important that each of us are attentive to details in emails we receive so that we don’t get phished!

Here are some red flags to look for in the sender's email, so that you don't get caught:
•    Is the request urgent? (I am in a meeting and can't get to this right now, so need you to do something for me as soon as possible!)
•    Does the request ask that you buy something, such as gift cards, that they supposedly will reimburse you for later?
•    Is the "from" email address @monroecc.edu OR does it say something else like monroecc.edu@gmail.com?
•    Is there a phone number in the signature that looks nothing like an MCC phone number?
•    Is the warning banner on the email indicating it originated outside of the MCC email system?

The yellow warning banner is an additional clue to help you evaluate the email message. It says that the email did not originate in the MCC employee email system (@monroecc.edu). However, the presence or absence of the banner is not enough to tell you whether or not an email is phishy.

  • If the email contains the banner but appears to come from an @monroecc.edu email address, that tells you that it did not actually come from an internal employee email account.  This is phishy!
  • However, don't assume that the absence of the banner guarantees it is authentic. Sometimes, particularly with sophisticated spearphishing scams, the emails get through without the banner even though they do originate outside.  Check for the red flags above!
  • Finally, don't assume that just because there is a warning banner that the email is dangerous.  If the email came from an external party (not from @monroecc.edu), then it should contain the banner. This includes emails from the student email system. 

NEVER reply to suspicious emails or provide your personal or MCC information. Do not pay for anything without independently confirming the request is from the person from whom it appears to be. In all cases, if you are unsure of the authenticity of an email, call the sender or send a direct email (NOT a reply) to verify.

Please pay attention to the phishing warning signs, so that you recognize these emails as fake, and just delete them.

Eileen Wirley
Technology Services - AVP Office
01/28/2021