The Office of Information Security (OIS) in the Office of Technology Services (OTS) reminds you to be aware of phishing emails sent to TU email accounts before, during and after the holiday break.
Keep these resources for help with identifying and reporting phishing, especially when going through your inbox upon returning to campus. Watch OTS Training’s Phishing Awareness video for more examples and tips.
Phishing red flags:
- Request for username and passwords-especially for NetIDs. No one at TU will EVER ask for your password.
- References to the IT department or IT service. The technology office at TU never refers to itself in writing as “IT” – always look for The Office of Technology Services (OTS) in communications.
- Strange or unfamiliar request by an upper-management TU employee. This could include a message like “available?” or a request to make a purchase. A phone call to the TU employee will clear up any suspicions.
- Vague subject lines. OTS will provide descriptive subject text, and when possible, include a phishing disclaimer at the end of the email.
- Obvious spelling mistakes and bad grammar. Emails sent from TU departments and offices are almost always reviewed and spell-checked prior to distribution.
- Attachments that are “.exe” files. Opening these can launch and spread malicious software.
- Unknown sender, or an email from an unsolicited source. If it isn’t from an @towson.edu address, be sure you are familiar with sender.
You’ve received a suspicious email-now what?
- Do not reply. Don’t click on any links, or open any attached files.
- Report the email. If using a mobile device, forward it to phishing@towson.edu. If using Outlook on a desktop/laptop can click the “report phish” button at the top of the email. Both of these actions send the email to OIS for review.
- Delete the email.
If you’re concerned your information or device might’ve been compromised:
- Contact the OTS Faculty/Staff Help Center at 410-704-5151 or submit a TechHelp service request.
- Update your password: reset your current NetID password and security question and answer. Both reset tools can be found at towson.edu/netid.
For information on recognizing online scams visit www.towson.edu/phishing. If you have questions regarding your TU account, submit a TechHelp service request to the Office of Information Security, or contact OTS at 410-704-5151.
