Beware of Phishing Links Disguised as Dropbox Files
This email below has been confirmed as malicious or fraudulent by the Information Security department. If you have received this phishing email, do not open any attachments or follow the link(s) in the message; simply delete the email.
Beware of Phishing Links Disguised as Dropbox Files
Phishing attacks are evolving, and the latest trend that’s catching people off guard is the use of trusted cloud services like Dropbox to deliver malicious content. Why? Because we all know Dropbox. It’s convenient, reliable, and most importantly, it feels safe. But that’s exactly why attackers are using it to trick users into clicking dangerous links.
Here’s the scenario: You get an email from someone claiming to be a colleague, a student, a research collaborator, or even the UTHSCSA IT Department. In the email is a Dropbox link, innocently labeled something like “Important Document” or “Your Review Requested.” Since it’s Dropbox, you trust it. You click the link. And that’s where the trouble begins.
Attackers know how to exploit our trust. These Dropbox links often lead to phishing websites, where you’re prompted to enter sensitive information like your login credentials. Or worse, the link could lead to a file containing malware, ransomware, or even keyloggers that silently steal your data. Once the malicious file is downloaded, your computer could be compromised in seconds.
How These Dropbox Phishing Attacks Work
It starts with an email. Attackers will craft a message that looks legitimate and includes a Dropbox link. The email might say something like, “Please review this document for the upcoming meeting,” or “Here’s the file you requested.” The language is designed to create urgency or curiosity. Once you click, you’re often redirected to a phishing site or a Dropbox page hosting malware. The worst part? Email filters may not catch it because Dropbox links are typically considered “safe”.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unsolicited Links: If you weren’t expecting a Dropbox link, don’t click it. Even if it’s from someone you know, confirm with them first.
- Urgency or Pressure: Emails that push you to act immediately should raise alarms. Take a moment to think before clicking.
- Odd-Sounding Requests: If the email content doesn’t sound like the sender or the request feels strange, it probably is.
- Customer Service Number: If the email includes a customer service number, don’t trust it immediately. Always verify the number by searching for it on Google or the official company website. Attackers often use fake customer service numbers to continue their scam and trick you into providing sensitive information.
How to Stay Safe
- Verify with the Sender: If the email claims to be from someone you know, double-check with them before clicking the link.
- Be Skeptical: If you receive a Dropbox link out of the blue, always question it. When in doubt, don’t click.
- Report the Phish: If you receive a suspicious Dropbox link, use the Phish Alert reporting feature to alert the UTHSCSA IT team. Click on the three dots in the top right corner of your Outlook Window, and click the Phish Alert Report Button.
What If You Clicked?
If you’ve already clicked an unsolicited Dropbox link, here’s what you should do:
- Alert The UTHSCSA IT Team: Contact the IMS Service Desk at (210) 567-7777 and inform them that you may have clicked on a malicious link. They will run a full scan of your device and reset your passwords. By taking swift action, you can mitigate the threat and prevent the attackers from stealing sensitive information or establishing a foothold in the network.
Stay Suspicious, Stay Safe
Dropbox is a great tool, but phishing attacks are making it dangerous to click on unsolicited links, even from people you know. The rule is simple: if you weren’t expecting it, don’t open it. Instead, reach out to the sender to confirm before taking any action. It’s better to take an extra minute to verify than to open the door to an attack.