It is all about IT this week...
Phriendly phishing
Council’s IT department work hard to stop phishing emails reaching end users through a variety of technologies, but it is a never-ending battle to fight determined scammers and criminals who are constantly refining and improving their techniques to hack into our network at CGD.
Phishing scams are a very popular tactic hackers use to trick users into thinking they received an email or text (SMiShing = SMS phishing) from a reputable company. They will use logos, fake but realistic-looking email addresses and contacts, and other tactics to trick you into clicking a malicious link that could compromise your security. I know of late I am receiving some very interesting SMS messages that are fake so be on the lookout!!!
At the end of the day, our last defence is “you” the end user and your own astuteness and vigilance. Cyber-attacks have hit both Yarra Ranges and Stonnington Councils in recent times leaving many staff with no work and community impacted.
Council’s IT department continually run phishing campaigns to educate as its vitally important to help protect Council. Our focus is to get users on the journey of learning and growing as opposed to just “tricking users”. Our phishing campaigns are there to create awareness.
The recent Phishing campaign results saw 179 staff click on a fake email which was the highest out of all campaigns to date. But very pleasingly we saw an increase in staff reporting the fake email to IT Service desk. Errors always happen, we get tired and click on the wrong link without thinking twice but the key is to report it ASAP if you do.
Remember CGD is not immune – “keep Council, its staff and customers secure” #CyberSmart.
Laptop rollout update
IT continues to work hard deploying laptops, shuffling around desktops and helping us all to work remotely. The team have deployed over 500 laptops since March 2020. Based on current the replacement cycle, the goal is that 75% of staff will have laptops by the end of this calendar year. The current lockdown will have some small impact, but we are working hard to achieve this. I would really like to say a huge thanks to Grant Griffiths and his team as this has and continues to be a massive exercise.
We have recently seen an influx of damaged laptops. Please be aware IT do not have spare laptops on hand due to the current demand. Accidents do happen but just a friendly reminder that you should treat your work computer with the same care as you would your personal computer. Keep those coffee mugs away.
Michelle Hansen, Executive Manager Finance and Information Technology