Current hacker and cyber security threats

The Centre for Cyber Security calls on authorities and companies to strengthen cyber preparedness in the light of the situation in Ukraine. SDU is also experiencing increased activity in relation to foreign actors who scan our networks in order to identify weaknesses that can be exploited. In addition, there are daily attempts to access the University’s data. Up to 5% of all emails received are suspected to be phishing emails.

What can you do yourself?

It is estimated that approx. 90% of all attacks take place via email. SDU IT’s security preparedness has taken steps to counter any attacks as far as possible, but SDU needs your help. 

You are a crucial player in securing the University’s data.

4 things that help increase your own and SDU’s information security:

1) Do not click on links or files in emails where you are in doubt about the content
Check with the sender – or the Service Desk (don’t hesitate if you’re having doubts) before clicking. You risk not only losing your own important data, but also the work of your colleagues – and it could potentially affect the operation of the entire university.

To report a phishing email, click on ‘Report Phishing’ in Outlook.

Learn more about how to spot a phishing email by watching this video:

2) Always keep your PC and your physical confidential documents locked if left unsupervised
Lock your PC and as a rule, do not allow unauthorised access to your own and the University’s confidential information. This also means that you must not allow unauthorised persons into locked areas.

3) Limit use of your own devices
Using your own devices to access SDU’s information poses a special risk. You should therefore only access SDU’s information from equipment that has been handed out and checked by SDU. Persons using an external connection should only access data owned by SDU from their own devices based on a need-to basis, not a nice-to basis.

Please also limit private use of equipment handed out by SDU, such as PCs and mobile phones. Personal use increases the risk of compromising your devices – e.g. by accessing personal social media and emails from your work PC or allowing others to access your work PC.    

4) Be critical of strangers who take a particular interest in you, including on social media
Be wary if people you do not know suddenly request your friendship on social media (e.g. LinkedIn or Facebook). Browse their profile to determine whether it is a real profile. Friendships on social media are commonly used by actors wanting to spread misinformation to you and your network. In some cases, foreign states also use these channels to make initial contact and recruit/blackmail informants.  

Should the above give rise to further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Service Desk at servicedesk@sdu.dk or tel. (+45) 65 50 29 90.

Find more sound advice on IT security here: https://www.sdu.dk/en/it-sikkerhed