search articles:     from the issue of March 13, 2008         Phishing scams target UNL e-mail account A phishing scam is taking aim at reeling in information from UNL e-mail accounts. The e-mail message states that individuals need to verify their UNL.EDU or WAM! account due to database and e-mail center updates. The message requests individuals supply their e-mail username, e-mail password, date of birth and country of origin. The message also warns that if the information is not provided within seven days, the e-mail account will be closed. "You will never be asked by UNL or Information Services to confirm passwords or other sensitive information via e-mail," said Zac Reimer, network security analyst for Information Services. "If you end up falling for this scam, you are handing over the keys to your e-mail account." The information could allow individuals to use e-mail accounts to send spam messages. They could also search for private information in old e-mail messages. "That would be the biggest threat to an individual," Reimer said. Reimer said the e-mail - and others similar to it - should be deleted. Also, account holders should not click on any link within the message. "Generally speaking, that is a good way to protect yourself," Reimer said. While e-mail phishing scams are not unusual, Reimer said this is the first one that directly targeted information about UNL accounts. "This is something that has been going on for a couple of years at other universities," Reimer said. "But this is the first one that was made specifically for UNL e-mail accounts. "That makes these attacks a greater concern for us. If you receive a message that seems authentic, contact me or a member of the Lotus Notes team." At least one campus individual responded to the e-mail, Reimer said. "They realized what they did and contacted us right away," Reimer said. Individuals who have replied to such an e-mail should change their password immediately. For assistance in changing a password for UNL service, contact the Information Services Computer Help Desk at 472-3970 or 866-472-3970. For more information, go to http://is.unl.edu/. GO TO: ISSUE OF MARCH 13 NEWS HEADLINES FOR MARCH 13 Museum lands 'The Great Quilt' donation Calligraphy Workshop - March 6 Japan Festival Enders collects $400K NSF award Firefly to replace ESS on April 14 Study tracks cost of sowing switchgrass for ethanol ELECTION FUND-RAISER Extension program helps train better guardians Phishing scams target UNL e-mail account 733114S38017X