AI makes identifying phishing emails trickier than ever

Phishing attacks can feel relentless, and large language models (LLM) or artificial intelligence (AI), like ChatGPT, make them even more challenging to identify. Historically, phishing emails, which often rely on a sense of urgency to steal personal information, were riddled with poor grammar and illogical requests. Now, AI is helping scammers create phishing emails that look genuine. The University’s IT Security team shares a few ways AI is making phishing emails harder to identify:

• Goodbye Grammatical Errors: AI can write messages with perfect grammar and natural-sounding language.
• Vishing: Voice cloning technology is emerging, allowing scammers to mimic a real person’s voice. This adds a whole new layer of deception to phishing attempts.
• Personalization: AI can analyze social media profiles to personalize emails with details specific to you. These tactics can create a powerful sense of legitimacy.
• Chatbots: Phishing attempts aren’t limited to email anymore. AI chatbots can be used to impersonate customer service representatives or other trusted figures, carrying on conversations to trick you into giving away personal information.

Learn more about how to avoid falling for phishing scams.

Learn about Simon's exclusive scholarships for University employees

Stop by Sarah Flaum Atrium in the Medical Center today, June 3, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to chat with an admissions representative about Simon Business School’s part-time programs and learn about exclusive scholarships for University employees. Did you know Rochester employees are eligible for merit-based scholarships toward their Simon degree, even if they’re using University tuition benefits? These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition expenses—potentially covering up to 100 percent of program costs. Gain insights tailored to your career goals, have your questions answered, and leave with a Simon gift, an application fee waiver, and a complimentary cup of coffee.

Financial Health Bites: Financial tips for the LGBTQ+ community

The Office of Total Rewards hosts a webinar on Wednesday, June 5, at noon focused on financial tips for the LGBTQ+ community. Learn about specialized needs and solutions for marriage and family planning, ensuring a comfortable retirement, planning for long-term care, and setting up an estate plan. The seminar will be conducted by a representative from MetLife. Register here.

Ready to quit smoking?

Find the support you need to decrease or end your nicotine habit, no matter what form you use, in Well-U’s You Can Quit! program. Easy-to-schedule appointments are available now.

Participate in an HIV vaccine research study

If you are HIV-negative, healthy, and between the ages of 18 and 55, you may be eligible to take part in an HIV vaccine research study at the Medical Center. For this upcoming study, volunteers who will be in the Rochester area over the summer are needed. Participants receive approximately $750. Call the Rochester Victory Alliance at (585) 756-2329 or email volunteer@rochestervictoryalliance.org for more information.

Celebrate Pride at the Friends of Strong Gift Shop by Cloverkey

The Friends of Strong Gift Shop by Cloverkey offers a new collection of LGBTQ+ products including T-shirts, pet bandanas, hats, journals, rainbow bracelets, and more. Stop by and shop the new collection.

As the new month begins, check out some photos from around the University in May.