What is Device Code Authentication? Despite conventional phishing techniques remaining effective, cyber criminals continue looking for new ways to compromise users' accounts. One lesser-understood method to do so is through device codes. Traditional authentication involves a username and a password; this can be extremely inconvenient or even impossible for devices lacking a keyboard or other […]
Instructure, the company that operates Canvas (the learning management system used at Schulich to manage coursework, assignments, grades, and course communications), has reported a cybersecurity incident that appears to have affected Canvas at thousands of educational institutions worldwide. Canvas remains available and University teaching and learning activities can continue as usual. We will share any changes if Instructure’s […]
ClickFix attacks are a rapidly evolving threat that use fake CAPTCHA pages to trick people into running malicious commands (often PowerShell) on their own devices. In every ClickFix case, the attacker relies on one thing: your participation. Most traditional phishing attempts and malicious sites are filtered or blocked long before they reach you. That’s why […]
The Information Security team has identified a fraudulent website impersonating York University that is actively attempting to harvest community members' login credentials. This malicious site closely mimics the appearance of official York University web properties and may be encountered when users attempt to access University services through search engines. The impersonation site is NOT affiliated […]
The Information Security team has identified a targeted phishing email sent on January 5, 2026 (today) that is being circulated among the York University community. The email used the subject line equal or similar to "Winter 2026 Term Commencement – Important Information" and falsely advertises monetary compensation in the form of a "Student Engagement Bonus" […]
The Information Security team has identified a targeted phishing email sent between December 2nd - 3rd, 2025 that is being circulated among the York University community. The email used the subject line equal or similar to "Notification of Eligibility: Fall 2025 Bonus at York University" and falsely advertises a "Fall Bonus" to recipients. Recipients are directed to submit […]
The Information Security team has identified a targeted phishing email sent on November 17th, 2025 that is being circulated among the York University community. The email used the subject line equal or similar to "Important: Your Eligibility for the Fall 2025 Bonus Payment" OR "Notification of Eligibility: Fall 2025 Bonus at York University", and claims to […]
The Information Security team has identified a targeted phishing email being circulated among the York University community. The email, titled "16.89 % Salary Increase Letter Wednesday, November 5, 2025", claims to be sent from York University Payroll & Employee Relations, and prompts recipients to submit personal information. The email was sent from a compromised external account that is not […]
The Information Security team is aware of a new phishing campaign targeting 1Password users with convincing "fake breach" alerts. Users of both personal and enterprise 1Password accounts should exercise caution and steer clear of emails that falsely claim to be from 1Password. Cybercriminals are distributing emails with the subject line "🔒Watchtower Alert: Password Issue Detected", […]
The Information Security team wants to bring to your immediate attention a phishing email that has been circulating, which appears to originate from a UoT email address. This email is designed to trick recipients into sharing sensitive personal information, including passwords and account details. Please read the information below carefully to protect yourself and our […]
The Information Security team is aware of a phishing scam targeting International Students that is being circulated among the York community on September 22, 2025. The scam instructs students to provide sensitive information pertaining to their financial institution, passport, and tuition payment information. The scam uses the York University logo and is attempting to impersonate […]
The Information Security team has identified a new phishing scam circulating among the York University community on September 10th, 2025. The email was sent from a compromised external email address using the subject line "Osgoode //Message ID:[#]..." AND "Yorku - //Supplies sign request Document Message ID:[#]" and was observed to be targeting York credentials. The […]
The Information Security team has detected a new phishing scam circulating among the York University community on August 26th, 2025. The email was sent from a compromised external email address using the subject line "Yorku Account Verification Needed", and prompts recipients to submit personal information to prevent account deactivation. The email falsely states that your […]
Please be advised that a phishing email is currently circulating from a compromised account within our organization. The email uses the subject line: Subject: ADVANCE WARNINGDate: June 8, 2025, at 1:43:49 PM EDT The message claims that your YorkU Microsoft account is set for deactivation due to retirement, graduation, or transfer. It urges recipients to […]
We have received reports from users about a new SMS phishing (smishing) scam that is impersonating York President Rhonda Lenton. The scammers are using different phone numbers to contact potential victims, including numbers from area codes 484 and 438. An example of the smishing text described is shown below for reference: This message was NOT sent by York President Rhonda […]