Despite all the new and emerging cyberthreats, phishing remains one of the most dangerous and effective cyberattacks because it takes advantage of human error and emotion.

Unfortunately, phishing also is one of the most common cyberattacks against higher education institutions and their students, faculty and staff because our contact information is more easily accessible.

Although the red flags may be hard to spot when you first encounter a phishing attempt, you can drastically reduce your chances of falling victim to a phishing attack by exercising caution and following fundamental information security best practices. Here are three tips to shore up your cybersecurity defenses against phishing attacks.

If everyone does their part, the University of Utah and University of Utah Health will be safer and more secure for our students, patients, faculty, staff, and guests.

Do your part. Be cyber smart.

Learn more: Cybersecurity Awareness Month

This October, please consider taking a few moments to visit the Information Security Office’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month website and check up on your digital hygiene. Topics include:

• Back to basics: Easy ways to improve your cybersecurity
• Phishing fundamentals: 3 tips to shore up your defenses
• The risks of ransomware, and tips to prevent and handle an attack
• Your identity is under attack. Here’s how to protect it.

We’ll also be sharing tips and resources throughout the month on Twitter. Follow @uofu_iso and #BeCyberSmart to join the conversation.