Phishing Emails

Phishing emails present a security risk to you and our district. Unfortunately, it is common in today's digital age, and the best defense against a phish is knowing what to look for. Staying vigilant can protect both your personal and school data from falling into the wrong hands.

Here are some key things to look out for:

• Check the Sender’s Email Address: Be cautious of emails from unfamiliar or suspicious addresses, especially if they slightly mimic legitimate sources. Phishing emails sometimes use an administrator's name, but the email address is not from Dumont Public Schools. 
• Look for Urgent or Threatening Language: Phishing emails often pressure you to act quickly, such as claiming your account will be deactivated if you don't respond.
• Avoid Clicking on Links: Hover over links to see their actual destination before clicking. If it looks suspicious or doesn’t match the sender’s claim, avoid it.
• Be Wary of Unsolicited Attachments: Unexpected attachments from unknown senders can contain malware. Only open files from trusted sources.

Be on the lookout for Phishing Text, too!

Phishing texts, also known as "smishing," often contain urgent messages or offers to trick you into clicking malicious links or sharing personal information. Look out for texts claiming you've won a prize ("You’ve won $500! Click here to claim"), warnings about account issues ("Your bank account is locked. Verify now: [fake link]"), or unexpected delivery updates ("Your package is delayed. Reschedule here: [suspicious link]"). To spot phishing texts, check for poor grammar, generic greetings, suspicious links, or messages from unfamiliar numbers that seem too urgent or too good to be true. 

We all play a crucial role in keeping our school’s data safe by staying vigilant and recognizing the signs of phishing. By thinking before clicking and reporting suspicious messages, we can protect our digital environment and maintain a secure community.