Cyberattacks rarely succeed because of advanced technology alone. More often, they succeed because attackers rely on people being busy, distracted, or trusting something that looks familiar.<\/p>\n
On a busy campus, it\u2019s easy to overlook small warning signs \u2014 a strange email, an unexpected document share, or a quick login request. Attackers design their scams around those exact moments.<\/p>\n
Understanding what attackers hope you will ignore can help you recognize threats before they become serious problems.<\/p>\n
Attackers depend on users overlooking details that feel minor or harmless. These warning signs are often subtle but important.<\/p>\n
Attackers frequently create email addresses that look very close to legitimate ones. At first glance, they may appear trustworthy, but a closer look may reveal small changes in spelling, extra characters, or unfamiliar domains.<\/p>\n
Example:<\/strong><\/p>\n smithj1@gmail.com<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> You might receive messages asking you to review a document, confirm your account, or respond to an urgent request. These messages often include links that lead to fake login pages or malicious downloads.<\/p>\n Attackers count on you clicking quickly without verifying the source.<\/p>\n Example:<\/strong><\/p>\n Unexpected Link<\/a><\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Shared documents and collaboration tools are essential for campus work and coursework. Because they are so common, attackers use fake document invites to gain trust.<\/p>\n If you receive a shared document you were not expecting, attackers hope you will assume it is legitimate and open it immediately.<\/p>\n Example:<\/strong><\/p>\n Surprise Collaboration<\/a><\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Attackers often create fake forms or webpages that look like legitimate university or company login pages. They may ask you to enter your password, Duo code, or other sensitive information. These pages can appear convincing but are designed to steal your credentials.<\/p>\n Example:<\/strong> YOUR ACCOUNT MAY BE SUSPENDED<\/a><\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Scammers use text messages (smishing) to create a sense of urgency. These messages may claim there\u2019s an issue with your account, a package delivery, payroll, or financial aid to pressure you into clicking a link quickly.<\/p>\n Example:<\/strong> Your Account Deactivation<\/a><\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Attackers often try to move conversations away from official university email accounts to personal email, text messaging, WhatsApp, or other platforms where monitoring and security protections are limited.<\/p>\n Example:<\/strong> \ud83d\udea8New Week Staff & Faculty School Notice !!!\ud83d\udea8<\/a><\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Many cyber scams create a sense of urgency. Messages might claim:<\/p>\n Your account will be suspended<\/p>\n<\/li>\n You must verify information immediately<\/p>\n<\/li>\n You are missing important academic or administrative updates<\/p>\n<\/li>\n A payment or financial issue needs urgent attention<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Attackers rely on emotional reactions to override caution.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Sometimes attackers do not ask for passwords directly. Instead, they ask users to approve app or document permissions that grant access to files, email, or cloud storage.<\/p>\n These requests can appear routine, which makes them easy to approve without review.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Over time, shared documents may accumulate collaborators, public links, or outdated permissions. Attackers sometimes exploit files that remain widely shared or publicly accessible.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> If you clicked a suspicious link, shared credentials, approved unexpected permissions, or opened a questionable attachment, acting quickly can reduce potential damage.<\/p>\n Change your netID password<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Only accept Duo MFA requests you know are you<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Review recent account activity and shared file permissions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Report the incident via the Knowbe4 PAB<\/a> hook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Reporting suspicious activity helps protect not only your account but also others in the campus community.<\/p>\n Cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, but most attacks still rely on human behavior. Attackers count on users being rushed, trusting, or overlooking small details.<\/p>\n Taking a few extra seconds to verify messages, review permissions, and question unexpected requests can make a significant difference.<\/p>\n Awareness is one of the strongest defenses we have \u2014 and staying alert helps keep our entire campus community safer.<\/p>\n BitLyft | Phishing Attack Red Flags: Complete Guide to Spotting Email Scams in 2025<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n FTC | How To Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams<\/a><\/p>\n Check Point | Attackers Continue to Target Trusted Collaboration Platforms: 12,000+ Emails Target Teams Users<\/a><\/p>\n ProofPoint | The Human Factor 2025 – Vol. 2: Phishing and URL-Based Threats<\/a><\/p>\n
Always double-check the sender\u2019s full email address \u2014 not just the display name.<\/p>\nUnexpected Links or Attachments<\/h3>\n
Pause before clicking links, especially if the message creates urgency or pressure.<\/p>\nSurprise Collaboration Invites<\/h3>\n
If you weren\u2019t expecting the document, confirm with the sender using a trusted contact method before opening it.<\/p>\nForm Filling Requests (Including Passwords, Duo Codes, etc.)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
A form asking you to \u201cverify your account\u201d by entering your NetID password and current Duo code.<\/p>\n
Never enter your password, Duo code, or MFA approval into a form sent through email or text. The university will never ask for your password or Duo code through a link.<\/p>\nUnexpected or Urgent Text Messages<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\u201cYour account will be suspended today. Click here to verify immediately.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pause before clicking. Do not use links in unexpected text messages. Instead, go directly to the official website or contact the organization through a trusted number.<\/p>\nRequests for Alternative Contact Methods<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\u201cPlease reply to my personal email\u201d or \u201cText me at this number to complete the process.\u201d<\/p>\n
Be cautious if someone asks to switch to a different contact method, especially when discussing payments, credentials, or sensitive information. When in doubt, verify through official university contact information.<\/p>\n
\nThe Pressure to Act Quickly<\/h2>\n
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Legitimate university offices rarely require immediate action without providing multiple ways to verify requests. Taking a moment to pause can prevent major security issues.<\/p>\n
\nOverlooking Permission Requests<\/h2>\n
Only grant permissions to applications and tools you recognize and actively use. If a permission request seems excessive or unrelated, do not approve it.<\/p>\n
\nIgnoring Who Has Access to Your Files<\/h2>\n
Regularly review your document sharing settings and remove access that is no longer necessary.<\/p>\n
\nWhat To Do If You Think You Missed a Warning Sign<\/h2>\n
Take These Steps Right Away:<\/h3>\n
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\nStaying One Step Ahead<\/h2>\n
\nFor More Information<\/h2>\n