Many individuals have recently reported receiving emails from USC President C.L. Max Nikias asking them to open an attachment in order to view an important message from the President. If the user opens the attachment, a document instructs them to click a link and then login to a page to view the secure message. If you received this message and replied to it, clicked on the link, or forwarded it, please contact Provost IT as soon as possible.

This is a phishing message which will attempt to steal your confidential login information. As can be seen in the message (with a copy pasted below), the email asks you to follow a link in an attachment to enter your password on a non-USC site, it was sent from a non-USC account, and it contains numerous grammar, punctuation and formatting mistakes. Messages sent by official university offices will never ask you to enter your password on a separate site to view a message.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Provost IT. Thank you.

Example of a real phishing email