New phishing scam targeting faculty and staff

Update | Tuesday, July 6, 2021

Late last week, a larger-than-usual number of phishing scams targeted Columbus State email addresses. Information Security Officer Ben Dalton says the emails provide fake invoices for antivirus software. They claim to be confirming a recent purchase of antivirus software such as Norton or Kaspersky. The emails claim you recently renewed or subscribed to the software and trick you into clicking on a link or requesting you call, confirm, or dispute the purchase. Our Information Technology team has been able to catch many of them. 

Scammers often update their tactics, but there are signs that will help you recognize a phishing email or text message.

Common indicators of phishing:

1. Deceptive or unknown from or reply to email address.
2. Marked EXTERNAL.
3. Create urgency, requiring immediate action.
4. Unsolicited billings or invoices.
5. Starts by asking: “I’m in a meeting, are you available for a quick task?”
6. Requests for gift cards.
7. Request to “update your information.”

Sample of an antivirus scam sent to Columbus State email addresses:

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