Are you susceptible to cyber hacking? Everyone is, but you can be less likely to be hacked by being informed, and by following these tips from The University of Alabama Office of Information Technology.
What is Phishing?
Phishing is a form of social engineering that uses emails or websites to pose as a trustworthy organization in order to maliciously access data. Students often receive emails of false scholarships, internships or job offers that are actually tactics to steal data. Similarly, faculty and staff receive warnings that their “storage is full” or that they need to “verify your account,” but it is really an attempt from cyber hackers to steal usernames and passwords.
Don’t Get Hooked
- When you receive an email, look at the “From” email address. Check to see it’s from @ua.edu and not a false site.
- Hover over a link in an email to see the URL before you click.
- Watch for poor spelling and grammar.
- Beware of urgent or threatening language. UA will never ask students, faculty or staff to “verify your account” or tell you your “account has been suspended.”
Stay Protected with Secure Passwords
- Change your password every 60 to 90 days.
- Do not share passwords.
- Have a different password for every online account.
- Longer passwords (eight characters or more) are stronger passwords.
Phishing can happen anywhere: on websites, social media pages or in your inbox. The Office of Information Technology’s Service Desk is available to help. Contact OIT at 205-348-5555 or itsd@ua.edu with any questions or concerns, and visit www.oit.ua.edu to learn more.
Follow OITatUA on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, and follow the hashtag #CyberAware to see cyber security tips throughout the month of October.