ISP Insights: Summer Edition

From the Writer

 

 Shine Bright, Stay Secure

Cyber Awareness All Summer Long


Summer is here, and so is ISP's phishing campaign! You’ve seen the phishing tips, dodged the fake emails, and reported phishing, and we’re still talking about it. Why? Because the threats never stop evolving, and neither can we.


Our Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign is in full swing for 2025, and while the reminders may feel familiar, they remain critical.


Repetition saves systems, literally!

Keep reading for how we’re keeping things fresh (and secure).


Katy Bradford

ISP Communications Specialist

 

Cybersecurity 2025: Spam vs. Phishing: What’s the Difference?

Spam vs. Phishing: What’s the Difference?


Not every annoying email is dangerous, but some are. Knowing the difference could protect you, your team, and our entire network.


Spam: Unwanted but not malicious.

Think promotional emails, random sales offers, or newsletters you didn’t sign up for. Spam clogs your inbox, but it usually isn’t trying to steal your info. Annoying? Yes. Dangerous? Not always.


Phishing: Deceptive and potentially harmful.

Phishing emails are crafted to trick you into clicking malicious links, giving up passwords, or downloading harmful files. They often appear urgent, familiar, or even helpful, until it's too late.


How to Spot a Phish in a Sea of Spam


Strange sender address: Look closely. Is that really who you think it is?

Unexpected attachments: Don’t open it unless you trust it and expected it.

Pressure to act fast: “Your account will be locked!” Sound familiar?

Link mismatch: Hover over any link before you click. Where does it really go?


You might be wondering, do I need to report spam? No. Do I need to report phishing? Yes. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!

 

Stay Ahead of DOR Trends

This summer, the Department is staying proactive on multiple fronts: staff continue to strengthen our cybersecurity posture by reporting phishing attempts, participating in wellness webinars that support a healthier work-life balance, and preparing for the upcoming Windows 11 upgrade to keep our systems secure and up to date.


Together, we’re embracing change, staying informed, and protecting what matters most.

Report Phishing

Even if you don't fall for it, phishing is a threat to all of us. Reporting matters because it stops threats, protects the Department's data, builds a safer network, and educates others. Always report phishing attempts via the "Report Suspicious Activity" button in Outlook.

Wellness Updates

The Move Your Way webinar recording is now available on our DORway to Wellness website, check it out! And don't forget to register for the upcoming webinar on all thing's nutrition, coming soon!

Windows 10 to Windows 11

We are beginning the process of migrating the Department from Windows 10 to Windows 11. What does that mean for you? Windows 11 provides a new, streamlined look, improved performance, enhanced security, and better virtual desktops. Your technical support team will reach out when it’s time for your upgrade.