Last updated: October 18, 2024
We're experiencing a surge in phishing emails targeting UBC users, including "spear phishing" attempts that impersonate colleagues or executives. These emails aim to steal personal information, ask you to make purchases on someone else's behalf, or trick you into clicking malicious links.
How to Stay Safe from Phishing Emails
- Be suspicious of gift card requests: Treat any email which requests the purchase of a Gift Card to be highly suspicious. Always reach out to the requester through a trusted channel, with a phone number you already know or through MS Teams, to validate the authenticity of the email.
- Be extra vigilant: Look for common signs of phishing, such as urgent requests, misspelled sender addresses, and unfamiliar greetings.
- Don't click or open suspicious content: Avoid links and attachments in emails you don't trust. Hover over links to preview the URL before clicking, and be wary of shortened or unfamiliar addresses.
- Verify sender legitimacy: If unsure, contact the sender directly using a known phone number or UBC email address, not the information provided in the suspicious email itself.
- Report suspicious emails: Forward them as attachments to security@ubc.ca. Your reporting helps protect the entire UBC community.
We have taken some precautionary measures to prevent targeted phishing attacks. More information can be found here (CWL required).
By working together, we can stay safe from cyberattacks.
Go Further...
- Learn how to recognize phishing emails
- Learn about spear phishing messages and how to recognize them
- Diving Deeper into Phishing Prevention