Student Help - How to Avoid Phishing, Malvertising, or Spoofing?
What are Phishing, Malware, or Spoofing?
Phishing is sending an e-mail to a user falsely claiming to be an established legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam users into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft or other illegitimate purposes. The email directs users to visit a website where they are asked to update personal information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, social security numbers, and bank account numbers, that the legitimate organization already has. The website, however, is bogus and set up only to steal the user's information.
Malware is often hidden in a seemingly harmless advertisement called MalVertising (malicious advertising). Malware is software designed to access your personal information or make your computer follow unwanted commands. It's another way hackers can damage data, steal your personal information, or take control of your computer.
Spoofing is falsifying the email address in the From box. It's another way to trick the user into revealing personal information. The real sender's name may be visible in some email sites or clients.
Hackers could send you a link that would take you to a site that looks like our Bb, but is not. Always use your regular navigation to enter our Bb site.
Also, watch out for pages that claim they can scan your computer or make similar promises. Avoid downloading something that you didn't ask to download. Unfortunately, some false advertisements are placed on trusted, reputable, well-traffic sites. Be careful, watchful, and observant.
Some information above adapted from webopedia.com
What Can I Do to Avoid These Things?
Don't respond to or follow the directions of an email message that asks you to update your information about Blackboard, your email, or any other site where you have an account. Most companies and service providers don't send email asking for personal information.
Use legitimate, up-to-date anti-virus, firewall, anti-malware, and anti-spyware tools.
Avoid offers to scan or secure your computer with free, unproven software or programs with which you are not familiar. Do some research to verify what you received. Since all student personal information comes into Blackboard from the MyCSUStan (PeopleSoft) system, Bb will not send messages about adding security, software, or scanning programs. Some software is necessary for Bb to run correctly. Most computers will use the standard updates to remind you about that. We may send our own notices to remind or advise you, but we will never ask you to give us your personal information nor to install software we do not provide through official, well-tested sources. If you receive suspicious looking email about Blackboard or email, or have any questions about the legitimacy of messages asking your for information or about services or software, forward your message to the OIT Client Services Help Desk.
For more Information regarding Hoaxes, Urban Legends, Folklore, Myths, Rumors, Misinformation, Jokes, Tricks, Frauds, & other Deceptions you may visit the following sites: