USC IT Security RSS News Feed

Current Threat - Fake Microsoft Update E-Mail Distributes Virus/Malware

David Wilhite — 24 Jun 2009 11:15:00 -0400

This forged Microsoft Updates e-mail has a very convincing look to it. But it is in fact a trojan horse used to convince the recipient to click the link and install malware.
(click here for details)

Current Threat - Spear-Phishing E-Mail

David Wilhite — 10 Mar 2009 11:15:00 -0400

This spear-phishing e-mail features a USC logo and text highly tailored to attempt to fool University e-mail account holders.
(click here for details)

Current Threat - Phishing E-Mails

David Wilhite — 02 Mar 2009 13:20:00 -0500

Phishers are trying a new ploy: mimicking a mailbox full warning. These are seeking to acquire USC e-mail usernames and passwords.
(click here for details)

USC Phishing Response

David Wilhite — 26 Feb 2009 11:50:00 -0500

In response to an increase in phishing attacks, University Technology Services (UTS) has implemented the following countermeasures:
* User Awareness Campaign
* Phishing E-mail Tagging
* Phishing Submission Mailbox
(click here for details)

Current Threat - Phishing E-Mails

David Wilhite — 16 Feb 2009 14:35:00 -0500

Several versions of phishing e-mails have arrived in recent days, all seeking to acquire USC e-mail usernames and passwords.
(click here for details)

Current Threat - Phishing E-Mails

David Wilhite — 05 Feb 2009 15:15:00 -0500

Several versions of phishing e-mails have arrived in recent days, all seeking to acquire USC e-mail usernames and passwords.
(click here for details)

Current Threat - Phishing E-Mail

David Wilhite — 12 Dec 2008 13:30:00 -0500

An e-mail is phishing for bank account and SSN info.
(click here for details)

Current Threat - Trojan Horse E-Mail

David Wilhite — 05 Nov 2008 17:00:00 -0500

An e-mail appears to be an e-card notice, but instead downloads a trojan horse malware program (similar to a virus).
(click here for details)

Current Threat - Phishing E-Mail

David Wilhite — 09 Oct 2008 11:30:00 -0400

An e-mail is phishing for bank account info.
(click here for details)

Current Threat - Scam E-Mail

David Wilhite — 26 Sep 2008 09:15:00 -0400

An e-mail promises you can send a large sum of money in order to receive a huge sum of money.
(click here for details)

Current Threat - Phishing E-Mail

David Wilhite — 25 Sep 2008 16:15:00 -0400

An e-mail is phishing for user names and passwords.
(click here for details)

Registration Open for Cyber Security Awareness Seminars

David Wilhite — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:30:00 -0400

Every October the IT Security Office recognizes National Cyber Security Awareness Month. We use this as an opportunity to improve awareness of IT security issues in our community.

This year we bring you a series of multimedia presentations on the following topics ...

* Social Networking: Security and Privacy Implications (Oct 8, 16, 24, 30)
* Finding Sensitive Data on Your PC (Oct 6, 28)
* The Dark Side of E-Mail: Phishing, Scams, Hoaxes, and Horses (Oct 8, 28)
* Incident Handling for Network Managers (Oct 6, 22)
* Wireless Attacks (Oct 10, 30)
* A Malware Primer: Bots, Worms, and Hybrids (Oct 14, 20)
* Protecting Your Computer: Panel Discussion (Oct 10, 16, 22, 24)
* Information Security: It's All About Balance (Oct 14, 20)

(click here for details)

Current Threat - Phishing E-Mail

David Wilhite — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 10:10:00 -0400

An e-mail is phishing for user names and passwords.
(click here for details)

News & Tips - Internet Service Interruptions

David Wilhite — Mon, 11 Sep 2008 12:00:00 -0400

The University has been experiencing ongoing Internet service interruptions since the end of August. These interruptions are related to increased traffic in and out between the University's network and the Internet.

Article in IT Bulletin newsletter.

(click here for details)

News & Tips - Identity Theft

David Wilhite — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:00:04 -0400

"Ten Ways to Protect Your Identity on Campus"
Article from SANS Ouch! newsletter.
(click here for details)

Current Threat - Trojan Horse E-Mail

David Wilhite — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:00:03 -0400

An e-mail poses as an electronic greeting card notification. Following the link leads to infection.
(click here for details)

Current Threat - Phishing E-Mails

David Wilhite — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:00:02 -0400

Two e-mails are phishing for bank account info.
(click here for details)

Current Threat - Phishing E-Mail

David Wilhite — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:00:01 -0400

An e-mail is phishing for user names and passwords.
(click here for details)

Security Alert - Phishing E-Mail Scam

David Stamm — Fri, 23 May 2008 11:43:56 -0400

An e-mail scam is targeting University mailboxes.
Article in IT Bulletin newsletter.
(click here for details)