PHISHING ALERT: Malicious Email Indicating Password Expiration

The Office of Information Security has received reports of malicious emails indicating that users need to follow a link to change their passwords. This email is a fraudulent message attempting to obtain personal information from unsuspecting victims. The criminals behind this effort are hoping to trick users into following a link in that email, then […]

PHISHING ALERT: Tech Support Scams (Vishing)

The Office of Information Security has observed a recent uptick in ‘tech support scams’ that attempt to trick unsuspecting victims into calling a fake customer-support number to discuss alleged problems with their devices or services. How do customer service scams work? These scams often closely mimic actual support pages and contact information to fool unsuspecting […]

UPDATED: Security Threats Targeting COVID-19 Researchers

Law enforcement and government agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), have issued warnings about criminal activity targeting COVID research. Below, you will find links to relevant guidance and announcements about this threat. FBI director says China seeks to compromise U.S. firms researching coronavirus – WaPo […]

Tax Deadline Extension and Phishing Scams

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the deadline for filing state and federal tax returns is postponed until July 15, 2020. As the deadline approaches, we want to make you aware of the more common tax fraud scams that our office sees each year. We have also compiled some helpful resources to assist you […]

PHISHING ALERT: Malicious Email with Voicemail Attachment

The Office of Information Security has received reports of a malicious email stating that users have a new voicemail. This message includes an attachment that appears to be the content of the voicemail message. Upon clicking on the attachment, the recipient is redirected to a fake login page requesting their password. Recipients who enter their […]

PHISHING ALERT: Email Threatening to Reveal Personal Information

The Office of Information Security has identified a phishing threat in which the sender indicates they have compromising information about the recipient, offering as proof a plaintext password that may look familiar to the recipient. These passwords are NOT an indication that the sender has access to any special information about you. They are simply […]

Avoiding Exposure to Ransomware

adapted from original post by Trisha Clay, EDUCAUSE Ransomware is scary. Such an attack could make it impossible for you to retrieve documents on your computer. So, how do you protect yourself from ransomware? One of the best ways to protect yourself is to create a good backup of your critical data. These backups should […]

PHISHING ALERT: Malicious Email Attachments

The Office of Information Security has identified a trend in which malicious emails include attachments (e.g. .doc or .xls) that, when opened, instruct users to “Enable Content” to view “active content” that has been disabled. These attachments often contain something with a name referring to something financial in nature like “Transaction,” “Invoice,” “Payment,” or “Payroll”. […]

PHISHING ALERT: COVID-19 Benefit Payment

The Office of Information Security has received reports of phishing on our campuses involving supposed payments related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This specific criminal activity involves telling users that they can obtain a payment (in this case from ‘Google Technology Company’) as part of a “package” that is “earmarked for” people who have been directly […]

PHISHING ALERT: “Outstanding Payment” Excel Attachment

The Office of Information Security has received reports of a phishing attempt targeting members of our institution. This particular phish involves telling the recipient they are owed an “outstanding payment,” then attaching an Excel spreadsheet with malicious software (malware) hidden in macros. The body of the email often provides the recipient with a ‘password’ for […]

Social Engineering and the “Gift-Card Scam”

adapted from original post by Trisha Clay, EDUCAUSE Social engineering begins with research, whereby an attacker reaches out to a target to gain information and resources. When someone you don’t know contacts you and asks you open-ended questions, this may be the first step of a social-engineering attack. After the attacker reaches out to you, […]

UPDATED: Cyber Attackers Exploit Vulnerabilities amid Surge in Remote Work

As we transition to remote work in response to the coronavirus pandemic, cyber attackers seek new opportunities to exploit unsuspecting users. Reports of ransomware attacks, phishing attempts, and scam websites are on the rise around the world, especially targeting those who work at universities and medical institutions. While we take our work to our home […]

COVID-19: Fake Online Coronavirus Map Delivers Malware

A malicious website pretending to be the live map for Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases by Johns Hopkins University is circulating on the internet waiting for unwitting internet users to visit the website. Visiting the website infects the user with a Trojan, an information-stealing program. It is likely being spread via infected email attachments, malicious online […]

InfoSec Alert: Email Attacks

Increase in Email Attacks The Office of Information Security has received increased reports of phishing attacks with the sole purpose of stealing and using login credentials to access University email accounts. When the attackers gain access to an email account, they can download the contents of the mailbox and/or send out spam in an attempt […]

Phishing Alert: Fraudulent Student Job Offer

The Office of Information Security has received several reports of a phishing attempt using a compromised email account to solicit personal information in response to a fake job offering. This fraudulent email requests that recipients reply with an “alternative email address” and “direct cell phone number” to receive additional information about the position. Recipients who […]

Revised and Updated Policies 2019

The Washington University Office of Information Security strives to build a sustainable information security program that supports the vital work of education, research, and clinical care while also protecting the security of our systems and users. Information security is important to every member of our community, and we all share personal responsibility for ensuring the […]

External Email Notification Helps Identify Phishes

In the coming weeks, we will introduce a new feature in our email system that will notify users of emails originating from outside of the university. This change is being made to make it easier for everyone at our institution to identify phishing emails. Phishing attacks are on the rise, and often employ multiple methods […]

Security Alert: Phone Call Phishing – April 9, 2018

ALERT: Phishing phone calls DETAILS: It has been reported that people claiming to be with the WashU IT Help Desk are calling in an attempt to extract personal and/or password information. ACTION: Do not provide anyone your password. Please keep your passwords private to protect yourself and the security of our network. If you have […]

Security Alert: Office 365 Email Phishing on Campus – October 3, 2018

Risk: High Details: The Information Security Office has received reports of phishing emails purporting to be from BJC personnel, however, the email addresses are being spoofed and used against Wash U. The phishing samples have had infected DOC files attached referring to Outstanding Invoice or Balance Discrepancies. Action: Do not try to open any suspicious files you were […]