Beware of Phishing!
Phishing is when a hacker tries to acquire (to fish for) sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details by pretending to be a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication, such as an email or web page. These criminals probably intend to use this information for identity theft or fraud. They could also be trying to trick you into installing a virus or other malware. It is very important to know how to spot phishing attempts.
No representative of the Mount, such as the IT&S Help Desk or the Registrar’s Office, will ask you for the type of information that email phishing attempts are looking for, especially passwords. The Mount will already have the majority of this type of information if you are a student. The Mount will NEVER ask for your password.
The only time we will ask you for account information is when you initiate contact with the IT&S Help Desk. The Help Desk staff may ask you for some specific information to verify who you are before resetting your password or any other account changes.
Phishing emails will often ask you to verify your password by clicking on a link. Again, we do not do this. Do not click on links within suspicious emails, even if the message seems to be from someone you trust. Emails from IT&S will minimize the use of links, but if we do send a link, it will be at msvu.ca.
Please see these examples of phishing emails for some suggestions on what to look for.
If you realize that you have replied to a phishing email or that you have clicked on a link that installed a virus, software, browser plugin or extension, please change your password immediately. If you are unsure that an email is really from the Mount or should be trusted, please contact the IT&S Helpdesk at 902-457-6538, helpdesk@msvu.ca or visit the Help Desk located on the lower level of EMF.
