September 05, 2023

Phishing Awareness

Dear University Community,

In recent weeks, we have observed a significant uptick in the volume of phishing attempts targeting our faculty, staff, and students. As the University relies heavily on email as the primary channel for disseminating vital information to our community, it has unfortunately become a prime target for cybercriminals seeking to launch malicious attacks, including phishing, spam, and malware.

Phishing email campaigns (referred to as "Smishing" when delivered via text messages) frequently employ deception tactics, such as impersonating CUA-affiliated individuals or their representatives. These tactics exploit the trust we share within our community, aiming to lower your guard and trick you into sharing sensitive information, be it personal or financial in nature.

These malicious actors may even go as far as presenting enticing offers, such as job opportunities, scholarships, grants, or promises of access to tax documents, all with the intent of luring individuals into their traps.

The safety and security of our University community remain paramount. We urge everyone to exercise caution and vigilance when interacting with email or text messages, especially those requesting sensitive information or financial transactions. If you ever encounter suspicious messages or have concerns about the legitimacy of a communication, please do not hesitate to reach out to our IT security team for guidance and support.

Your awareness and proactive measures play a crucial role in safeguarding our digital environment. Let's work together to stay one step ahead of cyber threats and maintain the integrity of our University's communications.

Thank you for your diligence and cooperation.