Government officials are warning the public about an email phishing scam that tricks users into clicking on malicious attachments that look like legitimate Department of Homeland Security notifications.
According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the email campaign uses a spoofed email address to appear like a National Cyber Awareness System (NCAS) alert and lure targeted recipients into downloading malware through a malicious attachment.
CISA is encouraging users and administrators to take the following actions to avoid becoming a victim of social engineering and phishing attacks:
- Be wary of unsolicited emails, even if the sender appears to be known; attempt to verify web addresses independently (e.g., contact your organization’s helpdesk or search the internet for the main website of the organization or topic mentioned in the email).
- Use caution with email links and attachments without authenticating the sender. CISA will never send NCAS notifications that contain email attachments.
- Immediately report any suspicious emails to your information technology helpdesk, security office, or email provider.