[CCoE Notice] FW: Information Technology Services - ITS Alert

[Luong, Kiet A]

Good morning,

Some of you already sent me emails asking whether the email below is a legitimate email from UH-IT or not.  The simple answer is: this is a phishing email.

There are many details to look for to determine whether the email is phishing/SPAM, or a legitimate email.  The “Don’t get hooked by phishing email” attachment (attached) shows us a few strategies to avoid clicking on a malicious emails.  When in doubt, however, it’s always a good idea to ask me for confirmation.

In addition, don’t forget that these emails tend to be very vague in nature.  They use a few “buzz words” to get your attention, followed by a fictitious UH logo or signature.  What they lack are details as to whom to contact, and the fact that you should always consult the college’s technical support team for something this important.  In this example, the “buzz words” used are: webmail, secured version 2013, new functions, guard against spam, etc.  The details, however, are lacking.

Obvious signs to look for in these emails are the destination of links in the emails.  By hovering the cursor over the links and not clicking on them, Outlook normally displays the destination without the risk of clicking on them first.  If a link provided by an institution takes you to a webpage outside of that institution, it’s normally a red flag and warrants a second opinion.

Thank you for staying alert and for practicing due diligence in a time when doing so is becoming an arduous task, not to mention an everyday necessity.

-Kiet Luong
kietl at uh.edu<mailto:kietl at uh.edu>





From: University of Houston [mailto:IT-Help at uh.edu]
Sent: Monday, February 11, 2013 6:21 AM
To: Recipient
Subject: Information Technology Services - ITS Alert


[http://www.uh.edu/~tmonaco/Pictures/UH-Logo-no-background.gif]

Dear Colleague,​

University of Houston have upgraded it's webmail server to the new and secured 2013 version.

This is to enable your webmail account take a new look with new functions and help protect against spam.

You are required to upgrade your account to the 2013 version by clinking here to enable advance features.

Upgrade to the University's most secured webmail plan today by clicking the link below for re-verification of your details;



http://www.123contactform.com/form-491577/Uhedu

University of Houston,
4800 Calhoun Rd. Houston, TX 77004

Copyright© 2013 University of Houston all rights reserved
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