Stay alert for phishing email scams

At SBS we monitor cyber threats that could affect schools and provide information about how you can protect your ICT systems and data

It has come to light that schools are being targeted with sophisticated phishing email scams. Stay alert using the following guidance.

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About phishing email scams:

Phishing is "the fraudulent act of emailing a person in order to obtain their personal/financial information such as passwords and credit card or bank account details. These emails often include a link to a bogus website encouraging you to enter your personal details." - HMRC

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What schools can do:

To help protect personal, school and pupil sensitive data we recommend that you ask your staff to be vigilant, asking themselves some simple questions when managing their email:

1. Does the sender's email address look genuine?
2. Are you expecting the email?
3. Does the email contain poor spelling, grammar and formatting?
4. Does the email request urgent action or ask for sensitive information?
5. Are you being requested to click on an unfamiliar link?
6. Have you been sent an unexpected and high cost invoice for a service or training course urging immediate payment?

If in any doubt do not reply, forward, click on links or open attachments. Phone the author of the email to seek confirmation of authenticity.

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How SBS can help:

If you have any questions regarding the above information or suspect you may have been targeted, please contact us using the details below: ICT customers: 0345 222 1551 • Option 1 or email us Non-ICT customers: 0345 222 1551 • Option 5 or email us