Questions:

Why am I getting Spam or Phishing Emails to my WSU Email Address?

What can I do if I get a Spam or Phishing Email?

Answer:

Generally, all WSU email addresses are publicly available on WSU's web site. Since we are a state funded institution, all directory information is available to the public. It is possible that a scraper service trolled WSU's directory for email addresses.

You are always welcome to directly forward emails you receive that you believe are phishing emails to abuse@wsu.edu. The emails will go directly to the security team. If deemed malicious, they will take steps to block the sender. The header information is critical to help them determine the source of the emails.

You can also block a sender using Office 365 Online, which will divert unwanted emails to your junk folder:

  1. First login to https://email.wsu.edu 
  2. Once logged in, click on the email in your inbox you want to block 
  3. Right-click on the email in your inbox
  4. Click on Junk
  5. Click on Block Sender


If you are a student who does not wish their WSU Email Address to be available on the WSU Website, you can Restrict your FERPA Information in MyWSU.  Doing so will make our system remove your Email Address from the WSU Website and our own Office 365 Global Address List in Outlook in a few days. (We suggest Students who are also Employees do NOT do this because their departments won't be able to find their accounts in Outlook to be able to schedule meetings with them.)

Here's our help article on how a student can restrict their FERPA Information on MyWSU - MyWSU - How to Restrict Your Directory Information.


Related Articles:

Email - Information about Phishing