CIO'S MESSAGE - October 7, 2024

A Message from the Vice President & Chief Information Officer

Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Protect Yourself from Phishing and Job Scams

Phishing scams targeting university students and employees are a constant threat, and scammers often send fake job offers that may seem legitimate. These scams can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and compromised personal data. Stay alert and learn how to spot these fraudulent messages before falling victim.

General Phishing Awareness

  • Suspicious Email Addresses: Legitimate offers rarely use free email services like Gmail or Yahoo for official communications. Always check for company-specific domains.
  • Poor Grammar and Urgency: Phishing emails often have grammatical errors and create a sense of urgency to make victims act hastily.
  • Suspicious Attachments: Be wary of attachments you weren’t expecting, especially if the email is from someone you don’t know.
  • Hidden URLs: Hover over links (or long-press on mobile) to confirm if they are valid. If the URL looks suspicious, do not click.
  • CSULB Red Caution Text: If you see the red caution message, AND if it’s about a job or your CSULB account, then it is not legitimate.

Phishing Job Scams

  • Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers: Unrealistic salaries or benefits for minimal work are classic signs of a job scam.
  • Requests for Personal Information: Legitimate employers won’t ask for sensitive information (like Social Security numbers or bank account details) over email or text before formal hiring.
  • No Interview Process: Scammers often skip the formal interview process, promising jobs without any assessment.
  • Vague Job Descriptions: Scammers often use vague job descriptions with minimal requirements. Legitimate job postings usually provide detailed descriptions of the role and specific qualifications needed.
  • Upfront Payments: Be cautious if a job offer requires you to pay for training, equipment, or other expenses upfront. Legitimate employers do not ask for money from job applicants.

Protect Yourself

  • Research Employers: Always research potential employers. Check their official website, look for reviews, and verify their contact information.
  • Use Trusted Job Boards: Stick to reputable job boards and career services provided by CSULB.
  • Protect Personal Information: Never share sensitive personal information during the initial stages of the job application process.
  • Verify Job Offers: If you receive a job offer, verify it by contacting the company directly through official channels.

If something seems off, trust your instincts—when in doubt, reach out to alert@csulb.edu and check out the Phish Bowl for the latest known CSULB phishing scams.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month Resources

  • WIN LB SWAG! Test your Cybersecurity knowledge by taking a short quiz and be included in a drawing for one of many LB swag packs. Quiz closes October 31, 2024. Winners will be contacted via email.

       Thank you for your continued support and engagement. 

       Go Beach!

       Min Yao, Ph.D. 
       Vice President & CIO