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CYBER BYTES

Security Alert: Beware of scam spam!

Cyber Bytes Security Alert

Bad actors have launched multiple attacks against Southwest students, faculty and staff in recent weeks with scam emails. These deceptive messages are disguised as official messages from a Southwest email address or a distribution list from an outside organization like TBR.  The most popular scam spam is job postings, especially for remote work.

These email are a serious threat to the College’s information security. Faculty and staff who receive suspicious job postings and other spam should forward them to abuse@southwest.tn.edu immediately. Do not click on links or forward to other departments or students.

HOW TO SPOT SCAM SPAM

Scam spam are unsolicited emails that almost always want you to click a link or forward the email to others or both. Doing so provides the bad actors an opportunity to access or request your sensitive information, such as your username and password. DON’T DO IT. The messages are very persuasive, request a call to action and often communicate with a sense of urgency that you should purchase a product or capitalize on a business or career opportunity.  A popular scam right now is to provide a link to career opportunities for remote work. 

When receiving emails, first, check the email address to ensure the originating address is one you recognize. But, don’t stop there. Also scrutinize the message to ensure it is official Southwest business you truly have with the sender. DO NOT CLICK ON ANY LINKS.  If you have any suspicion, pick up the phone and call the sender to verify the communication.

WHAT TO DO WITH SCAM SPAM

Forward the all suspicious communication to abuse@southwest.tn.edu. Information Technology Services will examine the email and let you know whether it is legitimate or a scam. If you have received a suspicious email and now are experiencing problems or strange behavior from your computer, call the ITS Help Desk at 901-333-4357. Trained technicians will assess your machine and refer it for security scrubbing, if necessary. 

Finally, if you opened a suspicious email, but did not click on the link or respond to it, please change your password now as an extra measure of caution. The goal is to ensure the security of your information and the College’s. 

Cyber security is a team sport:  it takes everyone to win!

For more information about scam spam and other suspicious communication, contact Information Security Officer Jim Sorrell at jasorrell@southwest.tn.edu.