In recent weeks, employees and retirees have responded to e-mail scamming (also known as “phishing”) attempts by providing their username and password to fraudulent sources. In addition to allowing direct access to personal information, HVCC e-mail, Blackboard, WIReD and our college network, these actions have caused an extremely detrimental effect to our e-mail sender score and ability to send e-mail.
Hudson Valley e-mail is now being rejected by several service providers. E-mail communications to banking sites, prospective students, job applicants, vendors, partners and other colleges have been blocked, severely impacting the college’s ability to conduct business.
There is no quick or easy fix to this problem. The solution relies on all employees remaining extremely vigilant to e-mail phishing attempts, and there are simple rules to follow:
- Do not enter your HVCC username or password on any Web page unless you are certain of the authenticity of the site.
- If you have concerns about the validity of any e-mail you receive, always forward the e-mail to infosec@hvcc.edu for guidance or call ITS technical support at (518) 629-7364.
- Never supply personal or financial information requested through e-mail.
Further information about phishing attacks can be found at www.hvcc.edu/its/phishing.
The college is making every attempt to continue e-mail service for employees, retirees, alumni and students. However, the college’s computer use policies restricting the sharing of usernames and passwords must be strictly adhered to at all times. At this time, anyone who responds to a phishing attempt will have his or her computer accounts suspended and will be required to make an appointment with Information Technology Services to receive training, more information about phishing attempts and to re-sign the computer use policy. ITS is working to establish and mandate online security training for all employees as well.
Please remain aware of e-mail phishing attempts as we work together to restore the college’s e-mail sender score and functionality to the appropriate level.
Michael S. Green, Ph.D.
Executive to the President for Institutional Effectiveness and Strategic Planning
James J. LaGatta
Vice President for Administration
Published: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 12:00:46 +0000 by m.green