Both individuals and organisations are regularly targeted by criminals attempting to collect confidential information and accounts.
Phishing attacks are a common method used by online scammers to fool you into giving out private information or tricking you into entering your information or passwords into fake websites.
Phishing emails and messages try to look genuine, and even include familiar logos and branding.
The emails will likely link to fake phishing websites will look convincing, perhaps identical to the legitimate site, but with a different URL (web address).
Do not click on any links or open attachments from emails claiming to be from any trusted organisation and asking you to update or verify your details – just press delete.
The Kindergarten IT Program will never send you an unsolicited email asking you for any personal information.
How do I identify a Phishing email?
You see an example of a phishing email in our Tip on Phishing Scams: https://kindergarten.vic.gov.au/tips/phishing-scams/
Read more about them on the ACCC Scamwatch website: https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams/attempts-to-gain-your-personal-information/phishing
Other phishing attacks and socially engineered messages
Criminals will pose as a legitimate organisation attempting to contact you either directly, with an alert or even via social media. Common ploys will include messages or calls claiming “suspicious or unauthorised activity” targeting you or something similar. The intention may be to trick you to provide or confirm your details, to lure you to enter information into a fake site or to allow them access to your accounts or computer.
Learn about socially engineered messages: https://www.cyber.gov.au/acsc/view-all-content/publications/detecting-socially-engineered-messages