Phishing
​Phishing is a way for outsiders to obtain personal and proprietary data. Phishing
attempts can be through email messages, websites, and phone calls to trick recipients
into providing sensitive data.
Personally identifiable information (PII) is information that can be used to locate
or identify an individual. Loss of such information may lead to identity theft or
other fraudulent use.
Examples of PII include:
- Full name
- Address
- Social Security Number
- Phone number
- Credit card number
- Driver's license
- Bank account information
Legitimate companies typically will not ask you to "verify or update account information"
via email. Hackers send these types of messages to trick you into divulging your personal
information.
Ways to minimize the risks of exposing your PII:
- If you receive an email or pop-up message asking for your PII, don't reply or click
on the link. (Delete the message)
- Never open unscreened mail from unknown contacts. If in doubt, delete it.
- Be aware of emails that seem to come from "friends". Hackers use this mechanism to
try to get you to open up attachments or click on links.
- If you receive an email requesting to confirm your password, delete it.
- If you are shopping online, never provide your personal or financial information through
the website until you have checked for indicators that the site is secure. Web site
addresses should start with https and a lock icon should be present.
- If you are asked for PII, find out how the information will be used and how it will
be protected by reading the "Privacy Policy" provided.
