From fake job offers to threats to delete your account, phishing scams can be convincing. Learn how to spot them before you click. Fisher’s Office of Information Technology (OIT) urges members of the campus community to pay close attention to emails they receive and offers tips during cybersecurity month.
Between Brightspace updates, campus events, job opportunities, and package delivery notifications, it is easy to click a link before taking a closer look at the email itself. According to David Czarniak, Fisher’s chief information security officer, that is exactly what scammers count on.
Nationwide, phishing attacks have seen a 10.1% increase from the first quarter to the second quarter of 2026, while phishing attacks via text messages, or “smishing,” have increased by 40%. OIT reminds all members of the campus community that they do not communicate via text message, nor will they ask for individuals’ passwords or multifactor authentication codes.
Czarniak offers the campus community other tips, including:
Watch for Urgent, or Unusual Messages: Phishing scams often rely on fear, urgency, or offers that seem too good to be true. Messages may promise high-paying jobs or free giveaways or threaten to delete your account unless you act immediately.
Look for Red Flags: Be cautious of messages requesting passwords, multifactor authentication codes, links asking for personal or login information, or claims that your account will be deactivated, suspended, or deleted. When in doubt, take a moment to verify the message before clicking.
Know What to Do: If you receive a suspicious message, report it using PhishAlarm in Outlook or forward it to oitservicedesk@sjf.edu, or contact Czarniak, directly at dczarniak@sjf.edu.
If individuals think they have clicked a phishing link, they should reset their password and report the incident to OIT as soon as possible. The OIT Service Desk can also be reached at (585) 385-8016.
College life is fast-paced, but your inbox does not have to be. Taking a few extra seconds to check a suspicious message can help protect personal information and the Fisher community.
This article was written by Olivia Bennett, a senior marketing major, who is working as an intern in the Office of Marketing and Communications at Fisher for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Cybersecurity Month: Think Before You Click2026-10-02T11:50:00-04:00From fake job offers to threats to delete your account, phishing scams can be convincing. Learn how to spot them before you click. Fisher’s Office of Information Technology (OIT) urges members of the campus community to pay close attention to emails they receive and offers tips during cybersecurity month.Between Brightspace updates, campus events, job opportunities, and package delivery notifications, it is easy to click a link before taking a closer look at the email itself. According to David Czarniak, Fisher’s chief information security officer, that is exactly what scammers count on.
Nationwide, phishing attacks have seen a 10.1% increase from the first quarter to the second quarter of 2026, while phishing attacks via text messages, or “smishing,” have increased by 40%. OIT reminds all members of the campus community that they do not communicate via text message, nor will they ask for individuals’ passwords or multifactor authentication codes.
Czarniak offers the campus community other tips, including:
Watch for Urgent, or Unusual Messages: Phishing scams often rely on fear, urgency, or offers that seem too good to be true. Messages may promise high-paying jobs or free giveaways or threaten to delete your account unless you act immediately.
Look for Red Flags: Be cautious of messages requesting passwords, multifactor authentication codes, links asking for personal or login information, or claims that your account will be deactivated, suspended, or deleted. When in doubt, take a moment to verify the message before clicking.
Know What to Do: If you receive a suspicious message, report it using PhishAlarm in Outlook or forward it to oitservicedesk@sjf.edu, or contact Czarniak, directly at dczarniak@sjf.edu.
If individuals think they have clicked a phishing link, they should reset their password and report the incident to OIT as soon as possible. The OIT Service Desk can also be reached at (585) 385-8016.
College life is fast-paced, but your inbox does not have to be. Taking a few extra seconds to check a suspicious message can help protect personal information and the Fisher community.
This article was written by Olivia Bennett, a senior marketing major, who is working as an intern in the at Fisher for the 2026-2027 academic year./media/news-images/fall-2026/Cyber-Security-Awareness-960.jpg
