Avoid the Pitfalls of "Reply All"
Last month, state employees were inundated with e-mail responses to internal SPAM that was directed at all state users. IOT Customer Service would like to once again apologize for the inconvenience this caused our customers. Whether the responders intended to help, voice displeasure, display undeniable wit or ask to be removed from the list, the outcome was the same. Failing to recognize the scope of an e-mail audience through "Reply All" is an error regardless of the content of the message.
Please take a moment to refresh your memory about acceptable state e-mail use as stated in the Information Resources Use Agreement (IRUA). Or, for more guidance about the professional use of e-mail and tips on etiquette, please read Reply All and Other E-mail Gaffes on careerbuilder.com.
Online Robot Network Threatens Unprotected Computers
A recent FBI news release states, “Hackers have compromised more than two million computers since June by roping them into robot networks, allowing someone to take over a computer without the owners' knowledge...” A robot network, or botnet, can be used to steal personal information, send out SPAM or phishing e-mails or stage denial of service (DoS) attacks. The state of Indiana is not completely immune to these attacks, so we put together a few guidelines to help prevent your computer from becoming part of a botnet:
- Never open an e-mail attachment unless you know what it is - even if it's from someone you know and trust;
- Do not visit untrusted Web sites;
- Do not download free software;
- Do not use free file sharing programs, which are commonly used to distribute music files and often contain malicious software, or malware; and,
- Keep your anti-virus software up-to-date.
For more information about keeping your computer and personal information safe, please visit the security section of the IOT Web site.
Identity Thieves Seek Confidence in New Phishing Scam
There is a new twist to e-mail phishing scams that state employees can expect to see soon, if they have not already. Because Internet surfers are more aware than ever of online scams, identity thieves are now using toll free numbers to gather personal information illegally. This type of fraud is convincing a much higher percentage of people to turn over credit card information than typical phishing scams.
Scammers list a phony toll free number that targets the same personal information Web links have in previous adaptations. Because toll free numbers are harder to shut down versus Web sites, these scams have an added degree of danger.
You should immediately delete messages that fit the following criteria:
- The message is threatening or "too good to be true;"
- The message seeks personal information through a Web link or toll free number; or,
- The company information is not legitimate. Check through a reputable source instead of contacting the company via the Web address or toll free number provided.
