SPAM: Beware of emails asking for passwords
CERN’s Computing Rules (Operational Circular No. 5) require that passwords remain confidential and must never be given to anyone, not even helpdesk or other support personnel. If you think that your password could have been exposed then you must immediately change it.
Cybercriminals are making growing use of fake e-mail messages and Web sites to steal account and identity information from users. This technique is called ‘phishing’. The fake emails often look real and try to trick you into giving your password or other personal data. CERN has recently been targeted by a fake email message which requested users to send their username, password and date of birth. This case was promptly blocked by the CERN Mail Service, however future cases may still occur. Users need to be vigilant for any requests for passwords or personal data. Fake emails should be immediately deleted. In case of questions on this topic, you may contact helpdesk@cern.ch.
CERN IT Department
by IT Department