Phishing Attempts Never End

There has been an increase in attempts to catch unsuspecting people in a phishing campaign. Avoid becoming a victim of a phishing attack.

Follow these precautions:

• Stay alert for potential phishing attempts. This will help reduce phishing and account compromises.
• Be wary of ALL emails or requests that ask you to:
  • Input username and passwords - regardless of where they appear to be from.
  • Input your username and password into an online form.
  • Requests a favor like purchasing gift cards.
  • Change another users’ account information - even if the request appears to be from someone you know. 
• Verify it!
  • In Microsoft Outlook, double click the sender to make sure the sender is from within the organization (@minnstate.edu)
  • Contact the person who sent you the email to ensure the message was actually sent by them.

Important! If you believe you have been phished...

• Contact the IT Service Desk ASAP if you believe your computer has been compromised.
• Change your passwords for all relevant accounts.
• Send phishing attempts and spam using the instructions below. 

Instructions: How to report a suspicious email anytime

• Highlight the suspicious message in your inbox. Do not forward it.
• Utilize the Report Message button on the right-hand side of the Home ribbon. If you do not see the Report Message button, please complete the following steps:

1. Highlight the suspicious message in your inbox.
2. Use the key combination (CONTROL)(ALT)(F) to create a new email that automatically attaches the suspicious email (this is important). 
3. Address the email To: phish@minnstate.edu

Anytime you receive a suspicious email:

• NEVER click on the links.
• NEVER act on an email that asks for your login credentials.
• ALWAYS report it immediately. Use the instructions above.

Thank you for your vigilance in keeping data safe.