1. Intranet
  2. AskIT
  3. Staff
  4. Email, Shared Mailboxes & Distribution Lists
  5. Spam/Phishing emails

Systems up or down

 

Recipient of Spam/Phishing emails

Responded to a phishing email?
Immediately Change Your UniSA Password 
AND then Call IT Help Desk
(08) 8302 5000

Nuisance Emails (Spam & Phishing)

UniSA is able to prevent the majority of unsolicited nuisance emails (Spam) and malicious fraudulent emails (Phishing) from entering our network; however, it is not possible to prevent all unwanted emails from reaching UniSA email Inboxes. 

Therefore, it is important that all users can identify and report these problem emails if they are received.

Unsolicited Emails (Spam)

Unsolicited emails you receive that advertise products, goods or services can be considered 'Spam'. Multiple emails from unknown email accounts which look similar could also be Spam emails.

Both Staff and Students have the ability to block spam senders themselves through their Staff Personal Portal and Student Personal Portal. Unfortunately, the IT Help Desk cannot do this on their behalf.
NOTE: This is achieved through Mimecast which is a learning system and the more users blocking a particular spam message will reduce (and eventually stop altogether) it coming through in the future.

Malicious Emails (Phishing)

Malicious emails (also known as 'Phishing') attempt to acquire information such as user account details (your username and password) or other protected information (such as credit card details or other personal information).

Common scenario these days, is where a scammer(s) will actually interact with victims via email e.g., send an initial email impersonating a manager, asking if the recipient is available. The recipient will reply advising they are, and the scammer will then send another email asking for urgent assistance (e.g., to purchase such things as Gift cards, etc).

If you're suspicious of an email you SHOULD NOT click links, open attachments, or respond. The email should be forwarded as an attachment (Ctrl + Alt + F) to the IT Help Desk (ithelpdesk@unisa.edu.au). However, if you have interacted with the email please follow the recommended process:

  • If an attachment was opened: 
    • Disconnect your computer from the network by unplugging network cables and/or turning off WiFi; AND
    • Call IT Help Desk IMMEDIATELY on (08) 8302 5000.
  • If credentials were submitted by clicking on a link within the email: 
    • Call the IT Help Desk IMMEDIATELY on (08) 8302 5000 to change your password.
  • If you replied to the email: 
    • Please stop any further communication
    • Call the IT Help Desk IMMEDIATELY on (08) 8302 5000 to change your password.

Report Phishing via KnowBe4 plug-in

NOTE: The below option is only available in Outlook for Windows.

Procedure staff should follow if they receive a suspicious email:

  1. Receive unexpected/suspicious email
    EXAMPLE : If you glance at the email quickly, you’ll likely find nothing wrong with it. However, if you look closely, you’ll notice that there are several things wrong with email e.g. sender display name/email address, attachment, subject, logo, urgency in subject, language, email leads you to expect a lucrative deal etc.
  2. While email is selected (visible in the preview panel) click Report Phishing (top right corner of the Ribbon).
  3. Confirm you wish to report the email as phishing.
    NOTE : If this particular email has been simulated by the Cyber Security team to test staffs vigilance, you will then  receive a Thank you! pop up.
  4. The email will be forwarded (as an attachment) to the IT Help Desk for actioning.

Or for step-by-step instructions (including screenshots) see report phishing via KnowBe4 plug-in page.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

The UniSA IT Help Desk will NEVER ask you to verify your username and password and/or personal information via email, they will always speak to you over the phone and verify your identity. 

Unfortunately, phishing can also be conducted through hoax phone calls. If you receive a phone call claiming to be from the IT Help Desk you are welcome (and encouraged) to ask for a job reference number, you can then call the UniSA IT Help Desk (after locating their contact number on the UniSA website) and quote the reference number to confirm you are speaking with a UniSA staff member.