The BBC and other news outlets are reporting a rapid increase in the number of ransomware attacks worldwide. According to the article, computers have been locked up in thousands of locations worldwide. The increase in attacks may be linked to a group known as The Shadow Brokers, which is the group that claims to have released NSA hacking tools. Although it's unclear at this time, researchers believe the attack is spreading through a worm. Worms prey on vulnerabilities in unpatched computers.

Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts a victim’s hard drive and then demands that a ransom be paid in... ...

Attack through Google Docs (Now Mitigated)

Early today, RIT users were targeted in a phishing attack that masquerades as a document request on Google Docs. The link provided in the email messages are to the legitimate Google login system. Google has now blocked this particular attack from occurring.

Here's one of the variants below. You'll note that it very closely resembles the read Google docs notification email.

How do I know this is a phishing attempt?

• The days of looking
... ...

The Difference Between Phishing and Spear Phishing

You’ve seen us mention both phishing and spear phishing in alerts and advisories. Here’s a look at the differences.

Phishing 

Phishing attacks are typically emails sent to a wide target audience with the intent of acquiring login credentials, account numbers, Social Security numbers, or other Private Information. The goal of the attackers is to commit Identity Theft. Although it used to be quite easy to identify the attacks because of poor grammar and other “telltales,” the attacks have become more sophisticated. It’s now possible for an attacker to purchase... ...

Campus Notification Phishing Attempt

RIT people are receiving an email masquerading as a Campus Notification sent from the RIT Message Center. The message originated from off campus and includes a link to a non-RIT address. Clicking on the link will take you to the phishing site.

Here is the phishing email:

 From: "RIT Message" <k.milne-15@student.lboro.ac.uk> Date: Apr 10, 2017 5:55 PM Subject: Campus Notification To: <RIT ADDRESSEE> CC: Hi there, You have an important campus notification Follow the link to read the notification Campus Notification Thank you, RIT Campus Notification, 

How do I know this is... ...

"Confirm Your Account" Phishing Attempts

The phishing attacks have broadened to include a Drop Box associated phish and a simulated RIT Information Security Alert. Both phishes include links to compromised non-RIT websites. 

Drop Box Phish

From: Drop Box* <sdinatale@tampabay.com>

You have *1 new important document as of April 04, 2017 which is listed below along with the action that can be taken. You can view or download you documents by visiting preview or download page. Happy Dropboxing! 

- The Dropbox Team

P.S. Learn how to protect your account.

Simulated RIT Information Security Alert Phish

Subject: RIT... ...