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In response to increasing cybersecurity threats, Library and Information Services (LIS) is constantly researching and evaluating new technologies to help combat these attacks. Carthage will now be using technology called Proofpoint’s URL Defense to help protect against specific threats that are distributed via email, including phishing and targeted attacks.

These threats originate from malicious web sites which are triggered when users click on links (URLs) in email messages. Messages containing these links often look legitimate, even to the discerning eye. This technology protects you and Carthage’s assets by blocking access to malicious URLs. Even with this new technology in place, it is still imperative that users continue to carefully choose what they click on.

When reading email messages, you may notice that links look different when you hover over them. URLs will now begin with https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=.  If the link is safe, you will see no difference and will be directed to the proper website. If it is malicious, you will see a notification in your browser stating the website has been blocked. This notification shows that the URL was malicious, and that the technology successfully protected you.

For more information, you may read about URL Defense in our FAQ.  If you need any assistance, please send an email to help@carthage.edu.