Phishing is the primary technique used by criminals and state actors to compromise computer systems. This phishing exercise is intended to raise your awareness of this cyber threat and help you avoid them in the future.
Carefully inspect emails with embedded links and attachments. Never click on links or open attachments from suspicious emails.
Report suspicious emails to your Information System Security Officer (ISSO).
Here is how you can identify Phishing emails:
To: you@forces.gc.ca
From: John Doe <name@domain.ca>
Subject: URGENT ACTION
Dear My Name
This is an email asking me to urgently act by clicking on a link.
The email is threatening to take away my access to my computer if I don't click right away.
From: Someone I don't recognize with a suspect looking signature
Suspicious sender: hover over the sender’s name, verify the validity of the address, watching for typos and other anomalies.
Suspicious embedded link: hover over the link without clicking and verify that the displayed link refers to the expected internet site.
Unusual content: remain suspicious of unexpected emails requesting urgent actions, such as consulting an attached file or providing personal information on a website. Confirm that the sender is legitimate through other means.
Odd “look and feel”: Many phishing emails try to mimic internal communications or communications from other Government of Canada entities. Always verify that the email has a “look and feel” that is consistent with the sending organization including signature boxes and departmental logos.
Asking to share personal or sensitive information: legitimate organizations never ask for you to provide account information and password by email.
Thank-you for your participation. Please remain vigilant. In Cyberspace, each of us is on the front line. For more information on how to keep yourself safe from Phishing, consult the following:
Phishing: Don't get reeled in - Get Cyber Safe, by the Canadian Center for Cyber Security,
IT security risks and tips (mil.ca) , on ADM(IM) intranet page