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Phishing Alert: Account Deactivation/Validation Notice for Students and Staff

Phishing emails with the following subject lines have been identified:

  • Validate Your Centennial College Email Account to Avoid Deactivation of Your Account
  • Please Verify Your Account!
  • Validate Email Account

These emails aim to deceive recipients. Clicking on the provided link redirects users to a fraudulent Google Form designed to collect sensitive information, such as your email address, password, Microsoft Authenticator passcode, and other personal details.

The email falsely claims that your Centennial College account will be disabled unless you provide this information. It requests your username, password, Microsoft Authenticator passcode, and personal contact details, all under the guise of account validation.

How to Identify a Phishing Email

Be vigilant and look out for these red flags:

  1. Suspicious Sender Email:
    The sender's email address does not match Centennial College's official IT services.
  2. Urgent or Unusual Requests:
    Phishing emails often use alarming phrases like "urgent replacements" or "account validation" to pressure you into immediate action.
  3. Suspicious Links or Attachments:
    Links may redirect to third-party platforms, such as Google Forms, instead of legitimate Centennial College or Microsoft websites.
  4. Generic Greetings:
    Phishing emails often use broad, non-specific instead of addressing you by name, which is a strong indicator of a scam.

What to Do If You Receive a Phishing Email

  1. Avoid Interaction:
    Do not click on any links, open attachments, or reply to the email.
  2. Report the Phishing Email:
    Use the “Report Phishing” button in Microsoft Outlook to alert the IT team. This tool helps investigate and block malicious senders.
  3. Contact the IT Helpdesk Immediately:
    Report the email to the IT team at ITServicedesk@centennialcollege.ca or call 416.289.5280. The team will guide you on additional security measures to protect your account.

Stay cautious and protect your information by staying alert to phishing attempts. If in doubt, always reach out to the Centennial College IT Helpdesk for verification.