Phishing Attacks Targeting Higher Education Institutions on the Rise

Summary: A dramatic increase in phishing attacks on U.S. higher education institutions has been reported, with cybercriminals exploiting academic trust through several deceptive tactics. These attacks primarily involve fake Google Forms, cloned university login pages, and sophisticated phishing campaigns targeting students and staff. The report emphasizes the urgency for universities to adopt stronger security measures to mitigate these risks.

Affected: U.S. higher education institutions

Keypoints :

• Phishing attacks targeting academic institutions have surged since October 2022, with a notable spike in August 2024.
• Attack methods include Google Forms phishing, fake login page cloning, and two-step phishing campaigns targeting staff and students.
• Recommendations for universities include implementing multi-factor authentication, enhanced employee training, and advanced email security practices.