October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, and UAB IT is focusing on phishing — those suspicious emails that can catch us unaware and wreak havoc on accounts and systems.

To help combat phishing, UAB IT is releasing a new phishing reporting button later this month, and we will be sharing tips for recognizing a phish throughout October.

UAB IT also has a new online game to help you test your skills at catching "good emails" — and test your knowledge of phishing tips.

And don't miss our entry in this year's UAB Homecoming parade, when we will have some fun giveaways to help remind you about the dangers of phish.

So what is a phish — and what can you do to avoid falling for one?

Phishing attempts are fake emails trying to trick you to provide information or click on malicious links. Vishing and SMiShing are other similar fake message attacks. Remember these things when you get any message, even if it looks like it is from a trusted source:

• Check the sender. Hover the email address of the sender and make sure it matches what you were expecting.
• Check the link. Hover any hyperlinks and make sure that it is for a credible site before clicking any links. You can always directly type a known URL into your browser instead of clicking a link.
• If anything doesn’t add up, report it by forwarding the email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..