The Postal Service wants employees and contractors to be on heightened alert for potential phishing attacks.
Phishing is used to acquire sensitive personal or business information using email or other electronic communications.
Cybercriminals, disguised as a trustworthy entity, trick individuals into clicking on a link, opening an attachment or providing a username or password. This could result in harming the USPS network and its operations.
To prevent phishing attacks and to protect the Postal Service, the CyberSafe at USPS team offers these tips:
• Slow down. Pause and evaluate the message before taking action, and be wary of “urgent” requests.
• Verify the sender. If something doesn’t seem right, contact the sender by looking up his or her official email address.
• Don’t click. Hover. Ensure all hyperlinked descriptions match their destinations.
• Beware of attachments. Don’t open or click on anything attached to a suspicious email.
• Be skeptical. Consider whether a “once in a lifetime” offer could be real.
• Protect your information. Never provide personal information or your USPS credentials via email.
• Spell check. Spelling and grammar mistakes can indicate a phishing attempt.
If you think you’ve been targeted by a phishing attempt, don’t forward the message. Select the “Report to CyberSafe” Outlook button, call 866-877-7247 or send an email to CyberSafe@usps.gov.
The CyberSafe at USPS Blue and LiteBlue pages have more information.