Telework creating new avenue for cybercriminals

Update | Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Cybercriminals are taking advantage of remote workers with ramped up phishing attempts. Columbus State Information Security Officer Ben Dalton says that faculty and staff should be aware of scams in the current telework environment.

Phishing is a form of cybercrime that uses email and other methods to trick people into divulging sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, payment information, and more.

Protect yourself from phishing by identifying these common red flags:

1. Deceptive email address – A message appears to be from a company or person you know or trust.

2. EXTERNAL – If the email has EXTERNAL in the subject line

3. Are you Available? - The sender claims to be in a meeting and needs your help with a task and asks if you are available

4. Gift cards – The email asks you to send a gift card

5. Update your information - Requests to update or verify account information

6. Sense of urgency - Claims that your account will be closed

If you believe you are the victim of a phishing attempt or have questions, contact the IT Support Center at 614-287-5050. 

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