New fraudulent emails and phone calls are on the rise under the guise of COVID-19 resources. For any up to date SPPS COVID-19 communications and resources, please navigate to https://www.spps.org/covid

Out of an abundance of caution use the “Phish Alert” reporting option within Outlook as seen below,

 or if you use the Outlook web portal referenced in this solution article.  

If you believe you have clicked on a questionable link, please contact the Service Desk at 651-603-4357 and leave a voice message.

We would like to remind staff that "Phisihing" continues to be a problem when working from home. 

What is Phishing?

Phishing is a cybercrime in which a target or targets are contacted by email, telephone or text message by someone posing as a legitimate institution to lure individuals into providing sensitive data such as personally identifiable information, banking and credit card details, and passwords.

The information is then used to access important accounts and can result in identity theft and financial loss.

SPPS provides further information on phishing in these locations:

• SPPS Employees: Beware of Suspicious ‘Phishing’ Emails
• Important Information about phishing emails
• Security Resources

As well as these outside links (see particularly the section on Internet Safety and Scams): 

• Password Security

  • Link: Choosing and Protecting Passwords - US-CERT

  Laptop Security

  • Link: Laptop Security

   Wireless Security

  • Link: Tips for Using Public Wi-Fi Networks -- Learn how to protect yourself when using public WiFi networks
  • Link: Securing Your Wireless Network -- Learn how to secure your home wireless network.  This resource includes tutorials for the most common wireless routers, and explains how to set encryption, change default router passwords, and limit access to your network.

  Mobile Device Security

  • Link: Understanding Mobile Apps -- Learn how mobile apps collect information and how you can protect yourself.
  • Link: Mobile Devices - StaySafeOnline.org
  • Link: Protecting Data on Mobile Devices
  • Link: Protecting Mobile Devices: Physical Security

  Internet Safety & Scams

  • Link: Phishing - Cyber thieves use emails that impersonate legitimate businesses in an attempt to steal your passwords and personal information.  Learn how to recognize and deal with phishing attempts.
  • Link:Spam & Phishing
  • Link: Malware -- Learn to recognize and remove malware
  • Link: Common Online Scams -- Learn to recognize and report common online scams, including lotteries and sweepstakes scams, "Nigerian" email scams, Fake Check scams, and others.
  • Link: Recognizing Fake Antiviruses
  • Link: Recognizing and Avoiding Spyware
  • Link: Using Caution with Email Attachments

  General Cyber Security Resources

  • Link: OnGuardOnline.gov - This website from the federal government provides user-friendly information about how to protect your computer, network, and personal information, and includes videos and games.
  • Link: StaySafeOnline.org - The National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCSA) provides information to "educate and empower a digital society to use the Internet safely and securely." User-friendly information for non-techies.

  Cyber Security Tips

  These tips come from the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team

  • Link: Safeguarding Your Data
  • Link: Good Security Habits 
  • Link: Traveling with Internet-Enabled Devices
  • Link: Effectively Erasing Files
  • Link: Safe Internet Browsing
  • Link: How Anonymous Are You?