A recent employee data breach at a nearby Utah school district serves as a reminder for all of us to be vigilant in identifying potential scams.

The breach, which was the result of a phishing attack, thankfully did not affect student records. It did, however, compromise an employee email account that contained sensitive files and identification information.

Although all school districts use computer firewalls and filters to safeguard against security breaches, these measures only go so far in protecting against all potential attacks. Therefore, it is imperative for all employees to be cautious about any emails or electronic communication regarding sensitive information.

Granite School District’s Information Systems Department will NEVER ask for personal information through email, and employees should never provide any sensitive information from an email request.

Phishers will attempt to acquire information such as passwords, credit card details, and identification numbers by masquerading as a trusted entity. Be aware of these common tactics used by cybercriminals:

Incorrect spelling and poor grammar

Links in an email – If you see a link in a suspicious email message, do not click on it. Instead, hover over the link with your mouse to see if the Web address matches the hyperlink.

Threats – Cybercriminals often use threats to coerce potential victims. These threats may falsely claim that personal security has been compromised, or detail potential punishments for failing to comply with the message.

If you have any questions about digital threats or if you think you may be a victim of a phishing scam, contact the Information Systems Department at 385-646-4524.