IT Department sees increase in phishing attempts – stay extra vigilant
The IT Department has seen an increase in phishing emails targeting staff. Cybercriminals aim to trick recipients into clicking links, opening attachments, or sharing sensitive information. Please remain extra vigilant and treat unexpected or suspicious emails with caution.
Fraudsters are becoming increasingly skilled at creating emails that appear legitimate. Here are some things to look out for.
Check the sender’s address carefully
Hover your cursor over the sender's name to view the full email address. Fraudsters often use addresses that closely resemble genuine ones but reveal themselves upon closer inspection.
Pay attention to the external email banner
All emails sent from external senders are marked with the following banner:
"CAUTION: This message was sent from an external sender and the content should be handled carefully."
If you see this banner, take extra care before clicking any links or opening attachments.
Do not click links in unexpected or suspicious emails
If you receive an email from an unknown sender, or one that seems unusual in any way, do not click the links it contains. If the email claims to be from an organisation or service you use, visit the website by manually entering the address into your browser instead.
Check links before clicking
Hover over links without clicking them. This allows you to see the actual web address and assess whether it appears legitimate.
Help stop spam and phishing
If you receive a suspicious email, you can report it directly in Outlook:
- Right-click the email.
- Select Report Junk.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
By reporting suspicious emails, you help improve protection for the entire university.
If you accidentally click a link
If you have clicked a suspicious link or disclosed any information, contact IT Support immediately. Do not continue using your computer or sign in to any additional systems until you have received guidance from IT.
Remember: If something feels unexpected, urgent, or too good to be true, it is often a sign to pause and double-check the email. It is always better to be cautious than to risk exposing sensitive information.