Tech Tip of the Week: Is it Phishing or is it Real?

From the IT Group:

You just received the following e-mail in your Keene State College Outlook/Entourage email account. Is this Phishing or is this real?
_From: Webmaster [mailto:Webmaster@info.edu]__
Sent: Friday, September 3, 2010 5:50 PM
Subject: Mailbox Shutdown Notification.
You are expected to verify your email account to avoid mailbox shutdown by furnishing us with the following details:
Login Username:
Login password: **
To avoid shutting down of your mailbox, which could lead to loss of your important files on our server, you must send these details on receipt of this message.
Thank you very much.
_Webmaster__

This e-mail is Phishing. You can tell because Keene State College and the IT Group would never ask you to verify any account information through e-mail or any other electronic source. We already have that information. Also, this message does not use the standard template you always see from the IT Group when we communicate to campus. We always address the GAL, we identify ourselves as the IT Group at the beginning of the message, we tell you the reason behind our communication (routine maintenance, infrastructure upgrade, etc.), and we always provide our contact information (including phone number, e-mail address, and building location), in case you have any questions or concerns. However, most important, legitimate institutions, including the IT Group, will not ask for personal information through e-mail. There are never any exceptions to this.

We hope this information will help you better understand Phishing when you receive a suspicious e-mail. However, whenever you are in doubt, do not hesitate to contact the HelpDesk at 358-2532, e-mail helpdesk@keene.edu, or stop by our office on the second floor of Elliot Hall. We will be glad to help.