In these unusual times, with many of us getting to grips with blended working or studying, we need to be even more vigilant and aware of our cyber-security. In particular, look out for ‘spear phishing’ campaigns that attempt to steal valuable information and plant malicious software.
Spear phishing emails and media posts can be highly sophisticated and difficult to spot. They are carefully drafted and often appear to be sent by a friend or company you know, a colleague or even a senior member of the University. You may be asked to share sensitive information or to access a file or document which contains malicious software.
What should I do?
- If you are unsure the request is genuine, simply delete it
- Don’t respond, open any attachments or click any links
- If the request seems unusual or unexpected, check directly with the sender (preferably by telephone)
Please remember:
- These requests are not genuine and should just be deleted
- The University will never ask for your password
- If you receive an email asking for your password or sensitive details, it’s a scam
If you would like further guidance or if you have clicked on a link and provided any details, please contact the IT Service Desk on 0191 208 5999.
