Tech Bits

Tech Bits

Beware of Widespread Phishing Scams

Over the past several weeks, members of the Temple community have been targeted by multiple email phishing campaigns. Please use extra caution with any email that asks you to click on a link or directs you to provide personal information in any way.  

The senders of these email messages can be disguised as Temple-affiliated offices, such as the ITS Help Desk, Financial Aid or Human Resources. You may also receive malicious emails from other Temple students, faculty, or staff members whose accounts were already compromised or spoofed/faked.  

Follow these tips to protect your personal information and avoid falling victim to a phishing scam: 

  1. Analyze sender information  
    Review the sender information of an email closely. The sender address on phishing scams can be unfamiliar or unexpected.
     
  2. Urgent subject line
    Phishing scams often create a sense of urgency or excitement to get you to respond or click on links and attachments. It's important to stop and think about the message before responding in any way.
     
  3. Fraudulent links 
    These messages often include fraudulent links that direct you to a fake login page designed to capture your username and password.
     
  4. Request for password and personal information
    Temple will never ask you for your password or any personal information via email.  

You are our most valuable resource. Take the time to trust your instincts, as they play a crucial role. Security is a shared responsibility that involves every one of us. Forward all suspicious email messages to abuse@temple.edu.

Please visit systemstatus.temple.edu to stay up to date on recent phishing campaigns.