Members of the Niagara College community should not engage with suspicious emails claiming to be from the World Health Organization, the Government of Canada, or other official entities, and which claim to be related to the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus situation.
Examples of suspicious behaviour include asking for login information, sending unasked-for email attachments, directing people to an unofficial website and asking for direct donations to emergency response plans or funding appeals.
Do not reply to these emails, click on any links or open any attachments. Delete the email immediately and inform Niagara College ITS at [email protected].
Malicious emails sent by scammers are known as “phishing” emails. They appear to come from government officials or agencies, and ask for sensitive information, such as user names and passwords, ask users to click on suspicious links, and open malicious attachments. Following these instructions allows criminals to install software that can give them access to, or damage, computer systems. Falling victim to one of these phishing attempts can threaten not only an individual employee’s information and security, but that of the entire college community.
Seek out official information on COVID-19
The quickly evolving nature of the worldwide COVID-19 situation has led to the emergence of a variety of false information and scams. Be sure to consult public health authorities for the most current and accurate information regarding COVID-19. Information and regular updates on the status of the COVID-19 situation are available on the Ontario Ministry of Health’s dedicated website, the Government of Canada’s website, and the Niagara Region Public Health website.
