Over the last month, Simmons Technology has seen a sharp increase in spam containing malicious attachments. Opening infected files that you receive via email can install unwanted and dangerous software on your device. Some files even contain malware that will lock you out of your device and demand a ransom in exchange for unlocking it.

We don’t want to see anyone at Simmons end up in these types of situations. Here’s what we’re doing—and what you can do—to stay safe:

• We adjusted Gmail’s spam filtering tool to enhance our ability to detect and quarantine spam and malware.
• We are available to help you identify potential problems with attachments.
• You should be cognizant of who has sent you an email with an attachment and the name and file type of the attachment. If it looks unusual or suspicious, don’t open it.
• You should install antivirus software on your computer. If you’re using a Simmons-owned computer, antivirus software is already installed and running.
• You can learn to look for signs that your device has been compromised by a virus or malware.

If you have questions about information security or concerns about a specific email or attachment, please contact the Service Desk at 617-521-2222.