A message from Information Technology Services (ITS):
ITS wants to remind the Niagara College community that they should not engage with suspicious emails or text messages related to the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus situation, many claiming to be from the Government of Canada, the World Health Organization, or other official entities. At this time, organizations are seeing an increase in the number of these phishing scams by bad actors.
The most recent scam is related to the federal government’s recently announced Canada Emergency Response Benefit via text message to mobile devices. The scam lures Canadians into opening a link to access a deposit, requesting personal and financial information in order to access your bank account.
There has also been an uptake in deceptive invoice links containing malware. Please use caution. By hovering over a link (do not click it), you can see where the link directs to. If you don’t recognize the link, don’t click it. You can check with the IT Service Desk if you are unsure.
Examples of other such 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 or text messages, 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.
