Threat Alert: PHISHING ATTACKS Leverage Seasonal Lures

• Numerous phishing attacks leveraging variations on winter and end-of-year seasonal themes.
• These lures, by and large, focus on financial or retail themes.
• Common elements include alleged holiday gifts from organizational management, Black Friday or winter holiday sales deals, shipping or package lures, and changes in end-of-year benefits.
• These lures have targeted recipients globally.

Key Action: Report Suspicious Emails 

• Beware of “too good to be true” offers. Many contests, giveaways, and seasonal discounts are legitimate. But if you are asked to provide sensitive information—like credentials—to participate, it’s almost certainly a scam.
• Remember that cybercriminals commonly leverage current events in phishing attacks. Annual events, like the winter holiday and shopping season, give cybercriminals time to prepare, as well as allowing them to take advantage of the potential stress or urgency this time of year can bring.
• Report ANY suspicious emails using the Phish Alarm button.