News Flash Home
The original item was published from 4/19/2022 1:18:28 PM to 4/19/2022 1:19:01 PM.

News Flash

BCIT - TechTips

Posted on: April 19, 2022

[ARCHIVED] How to spot Phishing Messages

How to spot and report phishing messages!


The Federal Trade Commission’s definition of phishing is “when a scammer uses fraudulent emails or texts, or copycat websites, to get you to share valuable personal information.”  When a user falls for a phishing message, the malicious actor achieves their purpose of getting the victim to hand over sensitive information such as login names and passwords. 

Though we count on technologies and controls to minimize threats, phishing exploits users through social engineering, which allows the malicious actors to side step these protections. This is why it is important that everyone learn to spot these fraudulent messages.

Telltale sign the email is a phishing scam:

•    A sender address that does not match the sender name

•    Odd or bad grammar; these email will often contain spelling errors.

•    A signature that is overly generic

•    Mouse over links in email to reveal their true URL. 

•    Do not open unexpected attachments: They are a cybercriminal’s #1 choice for spreading malicious software.

•    Trust your instincts: Does that email feel ‘off’ in some way? It probably is. 

•    Is it urgent? Slow down. An “IMPORTANT MESSAGE” may be a phishing attempt. Cybercriminals want you to do what you’re told when you’re told. Think before you click.

Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in BCIT - TechTips

Minimize All Your Open Windows

Posted on: April 26, 2022

Toggle Between Windows

Posted on: April 19, 2022

Quickly Lock Your Computer!

Posted on: April 1, 2022

Bring Back a Closed Tab

Posted on: April 1, 2022

Finding an IP Address

Posted on: March 30, 2022

Web Browsing - Tips & Tricks

Posted on: March 30, 2022