The Postal Service wants employees and contractors to remain vigilant against malware, malicious software specifically designed to compromise computer systems or devices.
Malware can be delivered in several ways, including through websites, apps and unsolicited tech support.
However, approximately 94 percent of all malware arrives as email attachments.
Online criminals often target organizations with phishing emails — which appear to be sent by departments within the organization, financial institutions, businesses or suppliers — to con office workers into downloading software designed to steal data.
The CyberSafe at USPS team advises employees and contractors to do the following when they receive suspicious emails:
• Slow down: Evaluate messages, particularly those with “urgent” requests.
• Spell check: Spelling and grammar mistakes can indicate a phishing attempt.
• Be wary of attachments: Don’t open anything attached to a suspicious email.
• Verify senders: If an email is from an “[EXTERNAL]” address, proceed with extra caution.
• Hover but don’t click: To ensure all hyperlinked descriptions are accurate, hover your cursor over the link.
If you receive a suspicious email, select the email or emails and click the “Report to CyberSafe” button on the Outlook toolbar. If the email is already open, the button will appear in the email toolbar as well.
The “Report to CyberSafe” button can be installed if it isn’t on your Outlook toolbar.
The CyberSafe at USPS Blue and LiteBlue pages have additional information.
