Cyber Security Awareness month happens every October. It gives us the opportunity to reflect on the importance of Cyber security in this digital landscape. This year's theme is:
"Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart"
Each week our office will update our posts with fun information related to Cyber Security under 'This Week's Cyber-Topic'. There will also be opportunities to win cool prizes during the month!
Did I mention cool prizes? Are you curious about how to win cool prizes, like a cool security shirt!? Check out 'Security Prizes' for more information!
Lastly, be sure to check out the "Helpful Security Tips/Hints!" for tips and tricks related to cyber security.
This is what we have to offer this year:
This month we'll be raffling off a Security Hero tee-shirt! These are the cool shirts you could win!
Here are some ways to be entered into the raffle:
- Report a phishing email or suspicious email to infosec@vcu.edu.
- Complete the crossword puzzles listed below and email it to infosec@vcu.edu:
- Solve our weekly security challenge and email the secret key to infosec@vcu.edu.
- Week Challenge 1: Start hovering around!
October 26: - Whose Text Message Is That Anyway?
Is that text from Mom or...?
We all know about phishing scams, right?
When a scammer uses a text instead of an email, it’s just another kind of phishing attack called a “smish,” short for SMS phish. SMS stands for “short message service” and is the technical term for the text messages you receive on your phone.
Hackers never miss an opportunity or overlook an option when trying to trick you into doing what they want. Some smishing scams even impersonate companies you do business with - your bank, cell phone provider, cable company and so on. In early 2020, scammers impersonated Verizon in a wide-ranging smishing attack that instructed people to go to a fake Verizon website that looked like the real thing, if you didn’t notice the URL.
But you don’t need to be caught unprepared. Just like an email phishing scam, a smish will have some telltale signs. Here’s what to watch out for:
- The text is from a 5000 number - That’s a number commonly used by scammers, so be cautious if you get a text from a 5000 number.
- You don’t recognize the number - If you don’t recognize the number, don’t respond. If it’s important, the person or company will use another way to reach you.
- Something about the text just doesn’t feel quite right - If your spidey sense is tingling, that’s a good sign. Don’t ignore it. Give the sender a call instead of replying to their text.
- The text says you need to respond immediately because it's an emergency or urgent - Scammers try to scare you into responding immediately. If you get a text that is alarming, even from a company you recognize or may do business with, don’t respond right away. Take a deep breath, look closely at the text and then respond by calling the company who sent the message. Don’t use the phone number in the text, but the contact info on the company’s website.
- Attachments - Even an attachment from a friend or someone or organization you trust might be carrying malware or a virus. Don’t click or open them.
- Asking for personal info, or to verify a service you didn’t sign up for - Trustworthy companies never ask for personal information via text. Don’t respond.
Do your part. #Be cyber smart
Below you will find helpful guides to improve your Cyber-Hygiene: