UOW Phishing Simulations

The University of Wollongong (UOW) conducts phishing simulation exercises to educate staff and students on the latest scams and tactics used by cybercriminals. These exercises reinforce the importance of staying vigilant before clicking on links or opening attachments—whether at work or at home.

Hackers rely on individuals being busy and distracted to catch them off guard. By simulating real-world phishing attacks, UOW helps the university community recognise deceptive emails, avoid falling for scams, and develop safer online habits. These exercises also provide valuable insights into emerging threats, ensuring that everyone remains informed and prepared to protect both personal and institutional data.

Latest simulation – February 2025

Did you receive this email on Thursday 20 February 2025?

What to look out for

Phishing emails are designed to trick you into acting before verifying the legitimacy of the request. Follow these steps to stay safe:

Before you click, remember to STOP. THINK. VERIFY.

  1. Assess the Email:
    • Are you expecting this email from this person or organisation?
  2. Check the Sender’s Name & Address:
    • Does the email address match the sender’s name?
    • A familiar name or organisation isn’t always legitimate – check the email address every time.
  3. Hover Over Links or Buttons:
    • Does the URL look legitimate?
    • SharePoint and OneDrive URLs should come from my.sharepoint.com or sharepoint.com.
  4. Verify Suspicious Emails:
    • If anything seems off, ignore, report, or verify with the sender.

Need Help?

To contact our Cyber Team, or to report spam, please use one of the following methods:

Screenshot of the report phishing button in Microsoft Outlook