Fresno State Warns of Holiday Phishing Surge, Protects Campus Data

Fresno State Technology Services posted an advisory on December 15 alerting the campus to an uptick in phishing and related online scams aimed at students, staff and faculty during the holiday season. The notice identified common tactics including urgent requests for action, fake delivery notices, charity solicitations, and direct requests for credentials or personal data. Technology Services emphasized immediate prevention and reporting steps to limit potential harm.

The advisory advised recipients not to click links or provide passwords or personal data in email messages, and to verify suspicious communications using trusted contact information rather than request details inside the message. Users were instructed to look for HTTPS and a lock icon before entering sensitive information, enable two step verification, and keep antivirus software and email filters up to date. The campus asked that suspicious emails be forwarded to reportphishing@csufresno.edu for review.

Technology Services also outlined post exposure actions in case someone clicked a suspicious link. Affected users should change passwords, review Duo approvals and other account access logs, and notify Technology Services by phone at 559 278 5000. The advisory reiterated how to report incidents and seek help from campus IT staff.

The increase in phishing attempts has broader local implications. Beyond individual account compromise, successful attacks can disrupt campus operations, interfere with student access to financial aid and health services, and threaten research data. For students who rely on shared devices, public Wi Fi or limited technical support, the risk is compounded. Those inequities make digital literacy and accessible support essential public health concerns as well as IT priorities.

Advocates and campus leaders face policy choices about expanding multi factor authentication, funding community trainings and ensuring low income students have reliable devices and guidance. For now Technology Services is urging vigilance, prompt reporting and the use of the contact points provided so the university can contain threats and protect campus resources during a period when scammers frequently increase activity.