Introducing the university鈥檚 security awareness and deceptive email training campaign
Information Technology (IT) Services is launching a new security awareness campaign to help Ontario Tech faculty and staff identify, report and delete deceptive emails.
What is phishing?
Phishing emails are malicious messages that mimic legitimate emails. They are designed to deceive you into giving away confidential information such as your Ontario Tech username and password, credit card number or bank account information.
These emails usually appear to come from a trusted source; they often ask you to click on an hyperlink or attachment, which may take you to a fake Ontario Tech login page, or launch a computer virus or other form of malicious software.
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Test phishing emails from IT Services
As part of this campaign, IT Services will send test phishing emails to Ontario Tech employees to analyze how people respond.
IT Services will use a tool to track the success of employees in recognizing and deleting phishing emails. The goal is to teach everyone how to respond to phishing emails now and in the future. Your manager will not be notified of how or if you interact with these emails.
What will happen if you click on a link in a phishing email sent by IT Services?
You will immediately see a message on your screen, and will receive information on how to avoid being deceived in the future. Your name will be kept confidential; this training is designed to help you learn.
When will this start?
This campaign will begin mid-July and will continue through 2019.
What should I do?
If you receive an email message that appears malicious:
- Forward it to IT Services (with full headers if you know how to include them).
- Delete the email from your mailbox without clicking on any hyperlinks or attachments.
Questions?
Contact the IT Service Desk at ext. 3333, Option 1.
