One click. That’s all it takes for information to be stolen from unsuspecting email readers. Anderson High School has had exactly that happen recently, leaving many students and staff to wonder why this is happening. These attacks can vary from unexpected job offers sent by “teachers” or seemingly self-sent emails filled with fake blackmail. When it comes to cybersecurity, Anderson has a major problem.
With data breaches and common password reuse, logging into other people’s accounts has never been easier. According to a Google poll, one in eight Americans use the same password for everything, making it even easier to access someone’s personal information on every platform.
The main method being used against Anderson High School is a type of attack known as “phishing.” Phishing involves sending emails that look like they’ve been sent from professional companies or trusted ones. These links lead to websites that ask users to login in order to gain personal information, i.e. passwords, credit card numbers, etc. Emails that include these links have also started to make their way towards parents of students.
AHS computer science and tech support teacher Rebecca Hermann believes the attacks would be less frequent if people didn’t click on the links sent to them blindly. “If you get an email saying ‘so and so has shared a file on OneDrive with you — click here to view’. We as a district don’t use OneDrive, so that link in the email is probably an attempt to steal your credentials — A Phishing Email.” Hermann also tells students not to worry if they were a victim of phishing. “[Students] can either report it to myself, the library, or one of the administrators here. We can then forward it on to the correct person at the administration building to get their password changed.”
Hermann also reassures both students and staff that the district is doing their best to prevent similar happenings. “Our district administration does everything they can to ensure data is secure throughout the district.”
If you are a student or staff member at Anderson High and you notice strange emails being sent either to or from you, contact Mrs. Hermann at [email protected] or visit her in rooms A202, A204, or A215.