Even with advanced email protection tools, unfortunately a small percentage of malicious messages still end up in our inboxes. If you've received an email asking for information or inviting you to click on a link, think about the following before clicking or replying.
- Check the "From:" email address and not just the name. Anyone can set up an account like [email protected] using a free email service.
- Check for grammar mistakes, formatting errors, or generic greetings
- Are they asking for immediate calls to action? Intimidation is frequently used to pressure recipients to disclose data or complete money transfers ASAP, so nobody has the time to realize that something is off.
- Suspicious email attachments are frequently used to install malware and / or virsues. Attachments have file extensions used to run code or macros: e.g., .cmd, .exe, .docm, .pptm, etc.
- Check for inconsistent links with different displayed and destination URLs by hovering your mouse over the link.
Fortunately the Academy has procured PhishAlarm, which helps combat potential phishing attacks; it's located on the right side of Gmail. Reported emails will be sent to an analyzer to be scanned for legitimacy and if deemed a threat, they'll be forwarded to our IT staff for removal from our inboxes. Using this button will help keep MMA safe!