It’s probably a good idea to inform an entity of a “Security test” before enacting – PB/TK
California state department tries to trick employees with fake email over bonuses – By Adam Ashton l May 12 2017
A California state department emailed a fake phishing scam to its employees Wednesday that manipulated the logo of Golden 1 Credit Union and played on anticipation for $2,500 contract bonuses that many state workers are receiving this week.
The phishing email asked workers to click a link that would “validate their employment status.” Then, the message said, workers would immediately receive their bonuses through a direct deposit.
The message to employees in the Department of Housing and Community Development was effective enough that Golden 1 received a call about it, and the State Controller’s Office sent an email to thousands of state workers warning them not to click on it.
It was intended to be a cybersecurity test for the housing department, according to an email that employees received about 90 minutes after the phishing message was sent. The department did not notify Golden 1 that it planned to distribute the test, according to the credit union.
The department also did not inform state government’s largest union, Service Employees International Union Local 1000, that it had created a fake phishing scam using the bonuses its members are receiving as bait. The $2,500 bonuses were a feature of the 42-month contract SEIU negotiated in December after calling off an announced one-day strike.
Continue to sacbee.com article: http://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/the-state-worker/article150029392.html
