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Fletcher Policy Guide

Policies Relating to FTCC

Phishing Information

As part of our commitment to keeping your information safe, we would like to remind you of some important email safety practices and how to recognize phishing attempts. Cybersecurity threats, especially phishing attacks, are increasingly common and can compromise your personal data and school accounts.

What is Phishing?

Phishing is a method where attackers send fraudulent emails designed to trick you into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords, personal details, or financial information. These emails often appear to come from legitimate sources.

 

How to Spot Phishing Emails

  1. Suspicious Sender
    • Be cautious of emails from unfamiliar or unusual email addresses, even if they claim to be from a trusted organization. Double-check the sender's email address for slight misspellings or irregularities.
  2. Unexpected Attachments or Links 
    • Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unsolicited or unexpected emails. Always hover over a link to see where it leads before clicking.
  3. Urgency or Threatening Language 
    • Phishing emails often create a sense of urgency, such as warning you that your account will be locked unless you act immediately. Be skeptical of emails pressuring you to take immediate action.
  4. Request for Personal Information 
    • Legitimate organizations will never ask you for sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card details, via email. If you're asked to provide such details, it's likely a phishing attempt.
  5. Poor Grammar or Odd Formatting 
    • Be on the lookout for emails that contain spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, or strange formatting. These are common signs of phishing attempts.
  6. Never Give Out Passwords:
    • NEVER give out your password to anyone or fill it out in a form.  Fletcher will never ask for your password.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Use Strong Passwords:  Ensure your email and school accounts are protected with strong, unique passwords.
  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication:  Whenever possible, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an added layer of security.
  • Report Suspicious Emails:  If you receive a suspicious email, do not click on any links or respond. Report it to our IT support team immediately at studenthelpdesk@fletcher.edu.
  • Keep Software Updated:  Make sure your devices and software are updated regularly to protect against vulnerabilities.

 

**If You Think You've Been Phished

1. Change Your Password Immediately: If you think you’ve clicked on a phishing link or provided sensitive information, change your passwords right away.

2. Notify IT Support: Contact our IT team so they can investigate and help secure your account.

3. Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your email, bank, and other accounts for any unusual activity.

By staying vigilant and following these guidelines, you can help protect yourself and Fletcher from cybersecurity threats.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact IT Support at studenthelpdesk@fletcher.edu or call the IT Helpdesk at 985-448-7934.