Cybersafety Course

AVOIDING PHISHING ATTACKS

A phishing attack occurs when a cybercriminal sends out a mass email trying to trick recipients into opening the attachments or to click on links.

• Never send personal information via email unless you are 100% certain of the person to whom you are sending it.  Never send passwords for any of your accounts via email.  Never use the reply option in an email about which you are unsure.

• Avoid clicking on any links in an email about which you are unsure.  Instead, open the official URL of the company (such as a bank or retailer).

AVOIDING MALWARE 

The word malware is a combination of the words malicious and software.  Malware is software that is designed to damage, disable, or control a computer system.

• When in doubt, always go to the official web site of a business in a separate browser window instead of a link in an email.

• Avoid opening email attachments unless you are 100% certain that the email is legitimate.

• Be careful of pop-ups.  Use a pop-up blocker. Avoid clicking on any links that appear in pop-up windows.

• Never purchase any software advertised in a pop-up window.

HACKED EMAIL: WHAT TO DO

• Update or install security software on your computer and make sure it is up to date.

• Scan your computer with the security software. Delete anything the software identifies as suspicious.

• If you can get into your account, change your password. If you can't, reach out to your email provider for help.

• Check your account to make sure that no one added any links to your email signature and that your messages are not being forwarded to someone else.

• Let your family and friends know that your email account was hacked.