They are “fishing” for information.  Don’t respond!

Phishing messages and other email hoaxes do hit the Miami email system.  One reason is that Miami receives quite a few new students and employees each year, so the number of new email recipients remains large.
It is a good general practice not to email your:

• password
• social security number

• birth date

This is true even if it looks like the request came from within Miami–we would never ask! Additional safeguards include:

• Don't use the links in an email, instant message, or chat to get to any web page if you suspect the message might not be authentic or you don't know the sender.
• Avoid filling out forms in email messages that ask for personal financial information.
• Always ensure that you're using a secure website when submitting credit card or other sensitive information via your Web browser.  Check that the address of the website (URL) begins with “https://”.

It is also very important that you report any suspicious email message to IT Help at ithelp@MiamiOH.edu or (513) 529-7900.

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, so we will be providing you with a different security tip each week this month.  For more information about keeping confidential information safe online, go to www.MiamiOH.edu/secureit