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Phishing
Please protect yourself and our network users against email phishing scams.
Phishing scams are more prevalent during the holiday season. Typically, they entice individuals to take action in one of the following ways:
- Click on an embedded link that installs malicious software on your computer,
- Get you to respond with personal information or financial support,
- Sends you to a website where you provide personal information or financial support, or
- Get you to spam others with ill-intended emails.
When you look at a message in your mailbox, take a moment and follow these helpful security tips:
- Understand who it is from
- Look at the "From" address. If it looks suspicious, DO NOT respond to it.
- Review any embedded links in the message
- Hover over the link to view the address. If the address appears suspicious, DO NOT click on the link.
- Use caution and be suspicious when you notice:
- Misspelled words
- Bad grammar
- A sense of urgency for your response
- You won the lottery
- It is an unexpected email
It is also important to ensure your computer has the current security patches and your antivirus software has the latest updates.
Always report suspicious emails to the ITS Service Desk at servicedesk@sierracollege.edu
Watch this video tutorial: https://sierra.instructure.com/courses/347466/modules/items/7533560
Password Security
As a student at Sierra College, you will be using a variety of technology. Please consider the following tips to keep you safe from possible threats:
Need to reset your password? Use the password reset tool.
Keep your device secure
Keep your device updated
Ignoring a update for your devices will put your device(s) at risk of various security threats. Updates will often address malware and/or bugs that have been discovered by attacks on vulnerabilities in older versions of the software. We highly encourage keeping your device updated regularly.
Use screen locks and PINs
By enabling a screen lock, you can help prevent access to your device if it ends up in someone else's hands. Hackers have become quite proficient in hacking passwords, however, PINs (Personal Identification Numbers) are more difficult to crack, or guess. Many devices now come with biometric means of accessing your device as well i.e. fingerprint sensors, facial recognition, etc. These are essentially impossible for hackers to get past!
Use Multi Factor Authentication (MFA)
Many websites and online portals offer an additional level of protection through Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) or Two Factor Authentication (2FA). By enabling this level of protection, you will be asked to verify your identity by an additional authentication. For example, you may have already logged in with your username and password, but the additional authentication can include entering a text or email code to proceed. Even if a hacker has figured out your username and password, they won't have access to your additional authentication means (your text messages, emails, etc.)
Only download software from the App or Play Store
Steer clear of apps advertised on websites and third-party app stores as these are common ways hackers will get malware and viruses to your device(s). And to be perfectly clear, not all apps on the App or Play store are safe. Here are some tips for downloading apps:
- Read all the app permissions carefully - what does it need to access?
- Is the app full of ads? Most genuine developers design apps to be helpful, not full of click bait.
- What is it rated? Low ratings generally come from unhappy users for some reason or another. Check out the comments from other users.
- Ask Google! Try a search for "is (app name) safe?"
Connect to Secured Wi-Fi
Try to avoid free Wi-Fi networks as a lack of security will allow anyone on the network. If the network requires a password that is not publicly posted (like on a wall sign, menu, etc.) it is less likely you will encounter a hacker. Exercise caution when connecting via Bluetooth in public places as well.
Use a VPN
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) add an additional level of protection for you by using encrypted code while you are online.
Use Anti-Virus software
Antivirus software is essential for protecting computers and devices from malicious software like viruses, malware, and ransomware. These threats can cause data loss, identity theft, financial harm, and system performance issues. By detecting, blocking, and removing these threats, antivirus software helps safeguard your data, privacy, and computer's functionality.
Avoid Clickbait
If you’ve spent any time on the Internet, you’ve likely seen articles and images with headlines like the examples above. They’re just a small sampling of what’s known as clickbait.
Clickbait is a sensationalized headline that encourages you to click a link to an article, image, or video. Instead of presenting objective facts, clickbait headlines often appeal to your emotions and curiosity. Once you click, the website hosting the link earns revenue from advertisers, but the actual content is usually of questionable quality and accuracy. Websites use clickbait to draw in as many clicks as possible, thus increasing their ad revenue.
While sensational headlines and content have been used since the 19th century, they've become widespread in the digital world. Although it’s based on an old idea, clickbait still serves the same purpose as its ancestor: to get your attention by whatever means necessary.
Why is clickbait an issue?
When websites use clickbait, they typically value getting clicks over producing quality information. This means they do not care if they waste your time with mediocre content.
Let's look at the image below. The headline is somewhat vague, but it reads as if a terrible secret has kept Joe Pesci out of the public eye. However, after doing some quick research, we discovered that he simply retired in 1999 to enjoy life away from acting. While this type of journalism is annoying, it's usually harmless.
However, clickbait can be harmful when it’s used along with the creation of fake news. The outrageous fake headlines stoke the emotions of readers, who then spread the content on social media. You may wonder what allows clickbait and fake news to keep spreading, despite their poor quality and accuracy. Unfortunately, studies have shown that 6 out of 10 people share headlines on social media without reading the actual article.
Where do you find clickbait?
You can find it almost anywhere on the Internet, which makes it difficult to avoid. Clickbait headlines are common in places like social media and blogs, while many reputable sites like weather reports and news agencies offer ad space to clickbait content. This means you’ll have to remain careful before you click a link, even when you’re on a quality website.
How can I recognize it?
You can usually spot clickbait through an outrageous headline or image, but it isn’t always this easy. Sometimes it’s difficult to spot the difference between clickbait and a legitimate headline. After all, every news story wants your attention.
There are a few common elements used in clickbait content, such as vague headlines and images that let your imagination run wild. Clickbait also uses shock and outrage to grab your attention, as well as numbered lists, like "17 Facts You Won't Believe Are True". Many links use a combination of these elements to lure you into clicking.
Here’s a simple way to tell if you’re looking at a clickbait article: If the headline tells you how to feel instead of letting you come up with your own reaction, it’s probably clickbait.