BOSTON (WWLP) - State officials say a cyberattack targeted Massachusetts state employees this week. What can you do to protect your private information? The Massachusetts comptroller, who manages the state's finances and accounting, says someone created a fake website that looks just like the payroll portal for state workers. The office says some employees used this fake website, which compromises personal details like their account and direct deposit information. 22News spoke to an I.T. expert who explained how to spot a fake website. "I think the key is always paying attention to the address bar, and it's the same advice we'd give to people who are clicking on links in emails," said Delcie Bean, the CEO of Paragus Strategic I.T. in Hadley. "Always, on your own, open up your web browser, type in the address you know to be true and go to the website that way." If you realize you already have used a fake website, here are some steps you can take to mitigate damage. "Nobody should feel bad if they fall for one of these because they are just so sophisticated," said Bean. "The first thing I would do is contact that vendor and let them know that you inadvertently gave out your username and password incorrectly so they can put a freeze on your account." Bean says it is always better to be safe than sorry--check with your company's I.T. office if you have a concern about sharing personal information. He also recommends that you approach any phone calls, videos, and emails you receive with suspicion because of AI's ability to imitate people you know. The comptroller's office did not specify how many employees were affected by the cyberattack, but all affected employees will receive a paper check for the current pay cycle. Local News Headlines Fall weather boosts tourism, business at local farms Statehouse Spotlight: A bill and a lawsuit Hatfield launches $3.8M water and sewer upgrade project State employees target of cyberattack WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.