External sender tag will be added to emails beginning Nov. 25.
Beginning Nov. 25, emails sent from external sources to Cal U inboxes will look a bit different — with the cybersecurity of students, faculty, staff and administrators in mind.
The message will read [EXTERNAL]: This email originated from outside of California University of Pennsylvania and is intended to provide an added layer of protection from phishing attacks.
The intention of a phishing attack is to steal user data, such as login credentials and credit card numbers. It occurs when an attacker, masquerading as a trusted entity, tricks the victim into clicking on a malicious link or attachment, or into divulging sensitive information.
All email, whether originating internally or externally, should be approached cautiously, especially messages with subject matter containing information on password changes, email quotas, and pay/benefits changes, according to University Technology Services.
This external tag is designed as a subtle reminder to always use caution when opening emails from unknown or external senders. Emails from official University systems will not contain this disclaimer. Be wary of any emails that appear to come from systems at Cal U but have this disclaimer attached.
"University Technology Services is implementing this new feature because the security of user data is always of paramount importance to us," said Dennis Carson, director of networking and security.
For more information or questions, please contact the University Technology Services Helpdesk at 724-938-5911 or utechrequests@calu.edu.