Overview


SPAM, SPIM, PHISHING and VISHING? It seems that every day there is a new threat leaving us vulnerable to potential thieves and hackers. This article will define some of the most common methods and how to report them to Constellation IT if needed.




What is SPAM?


Spam is unsolicited email that typically attempts to sell you something. The spammer has no intention of spreading malware or stealing sensitive information.  



TYPES OF SPAM


Intentional - spammers who gain access to bulk email lists and solicit products.  


Unintentional - spam that originates from infected computers.  


SPIM - spam over instant messages.  


SPIT - spam over telephony. 



What is Phishing?


Phishing is a social engineering tactic designed to steal information or money, often via malicious links or attachments.  


TYPES OF PHISHING


Generic - the typical email that features poor grammar and claims you’ve won the lottery.  


Spear - more sophisticated phishing attacks that target specific organizations or individuals. Spear phishers use a technique known as spoofing, which forges the email “from” address, so it appears to come from someone you know.  


Whale - phishing that targets high profile individuals like CEOs and celebrities.  


Smishing - phishing via SMS.  


Vishing - phishing via phone calls. 



What Should You do if You Receive SPAM or PHISHING Emails?


If you are subject to a Spam or Phishing attempt via email you can report the email a few different ways.  Utilizing the Outlook Plugins will automatically forward the email to our security partners for analysis and help prevent similar attempts from getting through our security filters.   



VIA Outlook:


KnowBe4 Phishing Alert Button


1. Highlight the email you wish to report as a phishing attempt in your inbox. 

2. Click the KnowBe4 Phish Alert button on the ribbon in Outlook 

3. Submit a Help Desk ticket to let us know about the incident 


Click the KnowBe4 Phish Alert button on the ribbon in Outlook 



Mimecast Outlook Plugin 



1. Highlight the email you wish to report as a phishing attempt in your inbox. 


2. Click on the Mimecast tab at the top of your Outlook ribbon 



3. Click the Report Spam text to open the menu options 


4. Select Report Spam or Report Phishing


5. Submit a Help Desk ticket to let us know about the incident 


Text Box




Via SMS, Instant Messenger or Phone 

 

If you are subject to any Vishing, SPIM or Social Engineering attempts, please contact the help desk in a timely manner and let us know about the incident. 

 

 

How to Submit a Help Desk Ticket 

 

  • Walk-up: Please feel free to walk up with urgent issues to Julio’s or John's desk anytime.  
     
    Please remember to create a ticket even when walking-up for assistance. This will help the IT team track issues and trends throughout the organization and again, will give us the best chance of resolving your issue quickly. 
     

  • Off-Hours Support: If you have non-urgent issues after 5pm weekdays or on weekends please use the email above to log a ticket and we will address your issue when we get into the office. If you have an emergency, please call one of the numbers below. 
     



  • John Fitzpatrick Cell: 207-233-7022 

  •       Steve Iadarola Cell: 617-710-1338  
          Phil Drapeau Cell: 617-828-4158