112th Precinct Community Council

computer alert

Security alert

Computer Information Security Alert
By Heidi Harrison Chain


I work for the City of New York. All city employees received a computer information alert that had also been sent to all NYS employees from the New York State Office of Cyber Security & Critical Infrastructure Coordination.

Unfortunately, the problem concerns emails that can be sent to anyone’s computer. This applies to both home and business computers .

The warning which applies to everyone stated as follows:
“There has been a significant increase in the number of emails sent globally with a malicious intent. The people sending these emails have the intention of obtaining information that will help them commit electronic crimes.”


The warning described the way the email worked as follows:
”An attacker sends an email pretending to be someone else. The email appears to be from a trusted source: a co-worker in your agency, an IT person, or even a friend.
- The email can contain a greeting card, screen saver, game, or a humorous video. What the email really contains is malicious software. By clicking on the attachment you will install software on your computer that will assist the attacker in obtaining information that they can use to perpetuate a crime.
- Other attackers try a slightly different method by sending an email with a link. The email requests that you click on a link which takes you to a website where you are asked to enter specific sensitive information (i.e., "Your account will be locked")”

The warning then indicated the state’s suggestion of Which Emails to Ignore, as follows:
”- DO NOT respond to emails asking you to verify information such as user ID or passwords.
- IGNORE emails that warn of bad consequences should you not follow the instructions.”


The warning also indicated that as a user you should take the following precautions:
”Do not open emails from parties that you do not know.
- Do not open attachments or click on links in attachments unless you are expecting them from a colleague. If there is any doubt, call and speak with the person who sent the file to you before opening it.
- Do not give anyone your password - either by email or by phone.
- Do not give sensitive information about yourself or your organization, especially detail about the structure of the agency or details about the computer network.
- Follow the same precautions when using your personal web-based email.”