Protect Against Phishing as Attempts Increase This Fall

Media Contact: Michelle Karns CAE, Executive Director

LEANDER, TEXAS (Sept. 17, 2024) — The Texas State Florists’ Association (TSFA) is encouraging members across the state to take additional precautions against phishing as attempts continue to increase. Phishing is often conducted via email, text messages and other electronic means. It is an attempt to obtain personal information, money, computer access or other items of value from unsuspecting recipients of these communications.

This week, TSFA has received reports from members targeted by phishing attempts using the names of TSFA’s elected leaders, sent from gmail.com email addresses with “president” or “executive” in the email address. These emails and email addresses are not associated with TSFA or any elected leader. Do not open such emails or click on any links they contain. Note that TSFA staff use tsfa.org email addresses for all association communications.

Phishing attempts are increasing in sophistication and number, partially due to technological innovations. Reports published by security experts indicate that since ChatGPT was launched less than two years ago, phishing messages have increased by more than 4,000%. Malicious phishing attempts have increased more than 341% in the past six months alone, with more than 2 billion phishing attacks detected last year — up more than 745 million from the previous year.

“It is vital that each individual and all business owners take steps to prevent risks associated with phishing,” said TSFA Executive Director Michelle Karns CAE. “Free cybersecurity training courses and anti-phishing resources are available online, including those on the U.S. government’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) website. Those businesses that do not currently use data loss prevention (DLP) software may also consider CISA’s recommendations to protect against digital threats.”

Members who receive a suspicious email or other communication that appears to be from TSFA or a TSFA elected leader are encouraged not to open the message. Instead, please notify the TSFA office at tsfaadmin@tsfa.org or 512-528-0806.

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Established in 1914, the Texas State Florists’ Association (TSFA) is the premier organization representing floral industry professionals throughout the state and beyond. Through conferences, meetings, the Texas School of Floral Design, publications, and certification programs for high school students, teachers and designers, TSFA achieves its mission of cultivating member success and a strong floral community. Membership benefits include access to exclusive resources, publications and educational materials, as well as significant discounts on registrations for conferences and other events. With a commitment to floral professionals that spans more than a century, TSFA eagerly seeks innovative ways to advance the floral industry. Learn more at tsfa.org.

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