IMPORTANT: Stay Alert for Phishing and Scam Emails
As we engage the start of the Fall 2026 semester, IT would like to remind everyone to remain vigilant when reviewing email messages and responding to online requests. We have been seeing increased email traffic around phishing emails in recent weeks.
The beginning of a semester is a particularly active time for cybercriminals. As students move in, classes begin, and University business accelerates, bad actors often take advantage of the increased volume of email and campus activity to distribute phishing messages and online scams.
Many phishing attacks are designed to appear legitimate and may impersonate trusted organizations, colleagues, university offices, vendors, or technology providers. Their goal is often to trick recipients into clicking a malicious link, opening an attachment, sharing sensitive information, or providing account credentials.
Before You Click, Pause and Verify
When reviewing emails, pay particular attention to:
- Unexpected requests for passwords, account verification, or personal information.
- Messages that create a sense of urgency or pressure you to act immediately.
- Suspicious links or attachments.
- Requests for action which are outside our typical processes
- Emails from unfamiliar senders or addresses that do not match the organization they claim to represent.
- Job offers, gift card requests, invoice notifications, or account warnings that seem unusual or too good to be true.
Remember the Three R’s
- Recognize suspicious messages.
- Resist the urge to click links or open attachments until you have verified the sender.
- Report suspicious emails to the IT Help Desk so they can be investigated and blocked when appropriate.
Need Assistance?
If you are unsure whether an email is legitimate, please contact the IT Help Desk before taking action.
- Email: support@mnstate.edu
- Phone: 218.477.2603
- Support Portal: MSUM IT Support Portal
A few extra moments of caution can help protect your account, your personal information, and the entire campus community.
Thank you for helping keep MSU Moorhead secure, and best wishes for a successful Fall 2026 semester. GO DRAGONS!
Thank you,
Sandie and the IT Crew
Sandie East, MBA (she/her/hers)
Campus Information Officer – Information Technology
MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY MOORHEAD
Phone 218.477.2300
203A Livingston Lord Library
sandie.east@mnstate.edu | MSUM Information Technology