Phishing On Campus Continues

DATE: August 20, 2008 3:24:55 PM CDT

Document Number: 297

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 20, 2008

Phishing On Campus Continues

E-mail request for personal information did not originate from the University of Houston.

Circulating on campus are variations of an e-mail message requesting personal information. The e-mails purport to originate from the University of Houston, and request that recipients provide some combination of the following:

Address; ID; Department; Password; Username; Full Name

The University of Houston does not ask for personal information (birth dates, passwords, Social Security numbers, etc.) in e-mail messages.

This type of e-mail is a "phishing" message, and often appear to come from trusted sources. The message induces victims to visit illegitimate web sites, open attachments, or simply have persons respond with requested information. Phishers can then install viruses, steal computer files and personal information, which can lead to identity theft.

Here are 4 best practices that will help protect you and your computers:

(1) Be wary of suspicious e-mail messages and other

electronic communications from sources you do not know

or recognize.

(2) Use the latest versions of your operating system (OS)

and applications.

(3) Have the latest security software updates (patches)

installed. This includes patches for your OS and

applications.

(4) Keep your anti-virus software up to date.

To report spam or suspect messages, e-mail support@uh.edu.

For assistance, or more information, contact the IT Support Center at 713.743.1411, or email support@uh.edu , or check out related IT News Stories: