Western Alert Advisory: Hackers Target 草榴社区 Employees for Payroll Information
Western employees have been the victims of cyber-attack hackers seeking payroll information. In a few cases, Western employees have provided information that allowed hackers to access their account and to divert pay checks.
At Western the attacks have begun with a phishing email where recipients are fooled into clicking on a link inside an email that is disguised as an official email from Western. The email says the employee has earned a raise. The malicious links then ask for employees to input their university login information, which hackers then use to take over their accounts and redirect employees’ pay checks. This sort of cyber-attack is a national problem affecting many universities and colleges.
Information Technology Services (ATUS, ADMCS, CTS) will NEVER ask for your password. Do not fall for any attempt to reveal your password either electronically or verbally. Always be alert and on guard when messages ask for personal information. Always report to the Help Desk (x3333) if you have inadvertently clicked on a link in a suspicious email. Even if you did not give any information, the link could expose you to malevolent software such as “key loggers” that record keyboard strokes and is another vector for gaining account information.
Human Resources and ADMCS are implementing a change to the direct deposit process so that the account holder will be notified by email anytime a change is made to the account information.
We encourage you to access Web4U to verify your direct deposit account information. Please call Payroll Services at (360) 650-2991 if you have any questions.