The primary responsibility for protecting yourself from phishers lies with YOU. Here are some steps you can take:
Increase your account security
- You are already required to enroll in Duo for two-factor authentication (multi-factor authentication) here at NC State.
- Be sure to enroll in two-factor on all your personal accounts.
Be on guard
- Be wary of any email with an urgent request for personal, account or financial information.
- NEVER give your Unity password to anyone for any reason.
- Assume that EVERY email request for your password is fraudulent.
- Unless an email is digitally signed (a method of authenticating digital information), assume it’s not authentic.
Don’t fill out a form on a website unless you know it is secure.
- Communicate credit card and other account information only through a secure website or over the telephone.
- To ensure that you’re on a secure web server, look for “https” in its address in your browser’s address bar.
- Look for a padlock or key symbol, usually at the bottom of your browser window (not in the web page window).
- Double click on that symbol to see the security certificate for the site.
- Make sure that it matches the site you think you’re visiting.
- But beware – a scammer may also use a secure website!
Regularly check your bank, credit and debit card statements (paper and online)
- Verify each account at least once a month.
- Ensure that all transactions are legitimate.
- If anything is suspicious, contact your bank and all card issuers.
Ensure that your browser is up to date
- Make sure you apply the latest security updates.
Install and maintain antivirus and anti-spyware software
- Some phishing email may contain software that can track your activities, disrupt your computer or simply slow it down.
- Detect, manage and delete these threats by installing effective antivirus software and anti-spyware.
- Keep it updated, either automatically or by downloading updates manually from the manufacturer’s website.
Stay informed
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse: Identity Theft: What to do if it Happens to You
Go to the Phishing main page.