UNCG is seeing an uptick in phishing emails. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools allow grifters to create more convincing and harder-to-detect phishing messages. Microsoft filters out many malicious emails, but scammers are constantly improving their methods. 

Recent phishing strategies include: 

• threatening to disable your account unless you take action;
• offering fantastic work opportunities; and
• offering deals that you “must act on now.”

Keep these tips in mind:

• Does the message trigger an emotional reaction? Phishing emails often prey on emotions. They are designed to make someone let down their guard. Be skeptical of any email that attempts to elicit an emotional response.
• Does the message require quick action? This is another tactic used to break through the reader’s guard. Carefully evaluate any email that requires swift action.
• Does the email or text message seem off? If an email or text message appears to come from someone you know but it seems out of the ordinary, then give the person a call to verify the message.  
• Are you being asked to perform some action that is out of the ordinary?  Do they ask you to use a website you have never heard of, use a file-sharing service that is not typical, use a payment method that is new to you, or tell you to communicate only using a specific email address or text number? These instructions can lead you down an unsafe path. Ignore and delete the message. 
• Is it too good to be true? Then it probably is.  

You are the last line of defense. Protect yourself. Be aware of this new level of sophistication in phishing scams.

If you need help with an information security issue, submit a 6-TECH ticket, call 6-TECH at (336) 256-TECH (8324), or email [email protected].