PHISHING EXAMPLE: Lab Report

May 19, 2021

These are targeted and simple forms of phishing emails designed to get victims to click on a link that contains malicious content or steals your credentials.

Tips if Something Seems Off:

Double-check the email address before responding

Look to make sure the email address is correct. In Gmail hover your mouse over the sender name for the email to display. On a mobile phone or a touchscreen, press and hold the link (don't tap!) to reveal the actual URL. (Look in the bottom left corner of the browser window.) Don't click on a link unless it goes to a URL you trust.

Follow up with the sender separately

If you didn’t expect it, reject it. Or follow-up with the individual directly in a separate email or call/text to confirm.

Report and/or flag it

  • Open the message

  • To the right of 'Reply' arrow

  • Select 'More' (typically denoted with three vertical dots)

  • Then 'Report phishing'

If you are unable to log into bMail, forward the message to phishing@berkeley.edu For more information visit https://security.berkeley.edu/resources/phishing

Examples of these types of attacks include:

Original Message:

From: results@pmhlaboratory.com
Subject: Lab Report
Date: May 16, 2021 at 5:04 AM
To: recipient@berkerley.edu

This is to inform you that your laboratory result is ready.
You can access your results via the following link:
https://results.pmhlaboratoXXXXXXXXX.html
You must provide your NAME and DATE OF BIRTH in addition to the
following code in order to see the report:
POP UP BLOCKERS MUST BE DISABLED TO DOWNLOAD PDF REPORTS

Patient Initials: A.B.
Access code: 8625150102

Warning:  The links and email addresses included in these messages are from real-life examples, do not attempt to explore them.

The most dangerous links have been removed - you can hover your cursor over these links to see the original address in a pop-up techtip (instead of in the corner of the browser window).

How to report phishing:

  • Open the message

  • To the right of 'Reply' arrow

  • Select 'More' (typically denoted with three vertical dots)

  • Then 'Report phishing'

If you are unable to log into bMail, forward the message to phishing@berkeley.edu