September 21, 2020
The UCF Information Security Office (InfoSec) would like to make university employees aware of recent phishing emails targeting the UCF community. These emails may appear to come from Knights or UCF email addresses, have a subject line that looks to be in response to an earlier message you sent, and may even reference previous message conversations. These phishing emails follow a typical pattern. The email will typically: provide you with a link to a document…
August 26, 2020
UCF InfoSec wants to make the UCF community aware of the potential for COVID-19 contact tracing scams. Cyber criminals are taking advantage of the current pandemic, sending fake contact tracing messages via email or text. These messages may ask you to click a link or provide personal information. The links may download malicious software to your computer, and providing your personal information may lead to identity theft or financial loss. What is contact tracing? It…
August 18, 2020
The UCF Information Security Office (InfoSec) continues to receive reports of scam and phishing emails targeting students. The most recently reported scam involves a message offering a paid part-time personal assistant position with possible money upfront: don’t be fooled by this tactic. How does the scam work? Once the victim responds, the scammer will send a check and ask that a portion of the funds be wired back. Sending money via a payment app or…
August 1, 2020
The UCF Information Security Office (InfoSec) continues to receive reports of phishing emails specifically targeting students. These messages offer work from home opportunities, personal assistant positions, or charitable donations. Usually, recipients are asked to respond using their personal email accounts. Cybercriminals are taking advantage of the current environment and economy to prey upon those who may be in need of financial support. Responding to these phishing emails may result in financial loss. To help guard…
July 27, 2020
UCF InfoSec wants to remind the UCF community to be on the alert for the threat of ransomware. The education sector is one of the two most targeted industries for these types of cyberattacks, and at least 30 colleges and universities have been affected by ransomware in 2020. What is ransomware? Ransomware has become one of the greatest information security threats. This malicious software attempts to encrypt the files stored on computers and networks. Once…
