The Information Security team has noted an increase in phishing emails that are targeting staff who may handle financial transactions. Initially these emails targeted senior staff and attempted to get fraudulent payments made by the University. A tertiary organisation up north fell victim to this and may be out of pocket to the tune of over $100k.

The phishing emails are now targeting departmental staff. The email will appear to come from another University staff member and attempt to establish further email communication. The email address will not be an @otago.ac.nz address. Eventually the target victim will be asked to set up a fraudulent financial payment. These emails are asking staff to work outside University financial processes by suggesting that there is some urgency in processing the request and hence bypass normal processes.

Staff who handle financial transactions are asked to be vigilant for these types of attacks. If you receive unusual requests to process payments then ensure that the following is undertaken
– Check with the apparent requester via another channel, i.e. if the request comes via email then give them a call to verify.
– At all times follow the University account processing systems. Contact FSD if you have questions.
– Report any attempts of this nature to the Information Security Office so that we can keep up to date with current attacks.

If you have any questions regarding this matter then please contact myself.

Thanks, Mark

P.S. A copy of this email has been posted on the Information Security Blog site for verification. See https://blogs.otago.ac.nz/infosec/2016/02/17/financial-fraud-phishing-emails/

-- 
Mark Borrie
Information Security Manager,
Information Technology Services, University of Otago,
Dunedin 9054, N.Z.
Ph +64 3 479-8395, Fax +64 3 479-8813
Email: mark.borrie@otago.ac.nz