Do you think before you click? In today’s cyber landscape, it only takes one click to expose the Postal Service™ networks to cyber attacks. Hackers use a variety of techniques to execute fraudulent activities, such as phishing emails, fake websites, and fraudulent text messages.
To protect yourself and the Postal Service from potential cyber threats, do the following when you receive a message via email, text message, or otherwise.
n Analyze the content. Check for incorrect grammar, spelling errors, generic salutations, and requests for account information, such as login credentials or payment information. Never click on a suspicious looking link or attachment, or visit an unknown website.
n Check the sender. Confirm the message is from a reliable source before taking any action. Be wary of messages from unknown senders, especially those with suspicious-looking attachments or links or requests for sensitive information. This applies to both emails and text messages. Even if you know the sender, check for anything suspicious, including the email address or phone number used to contact you. Hackers may try to impersonate someone you know, such as your bank, a department within your organization (IT is a common one), or even a friend or colleague.
n Report suspicious activity. If you see something suspicious, say something. Even if you aren’t sure if you’ve become the victim of a cyber threat, report any suspicious activity encountered on Postal Service equipment or networks to the CyberSecurity Operations Center (CSOC) by emailing CyberSafe@usps.gov. If using a personal device, contact your manufacturer’s IT Department for further guidance. Depending on the nature of the situation, you may also want to contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and/or your local police department. Never respond to or engage with a suspected hacker.
Remember, cyber threats are everywhere. Stay vigilant when you’re online or using an electronic device, and familiarize yourself with the common warning signs of cyber threats to keep yourself “CyberSafe.”
For additional information on reporting cyber threats, check out the new public-facing CyberSafe at USPS™ website at www.usps.com/cybersafe or the CyberSafe at USPS pages on Blue (https://blue.usps.gov/cyber/) and LiteBlue (https://liteblue.usps.gov/cyber/).
— Corporate Information Security Office,
Chief Information Security Officer
and Digital Solutions, 2-16-17
