Think Before You Click

cyber-security-1BU is aware that students from, and applying to, other universities have been targeted with spam, phishing emails and websites designed to look as though they legitimate agencies but are in fact malicious and designed to deliver malware and/or gather sensitive information.

Then there are sites which may be legitimate but ask for a username and password as part of the registration process in such as way it may unknowingly influence you into to disclosing your Uni credentials.

We can confirm that your BU username and password, or any other BU credentials, should not be use anywhere else but on BU systems. e.g. Systems delivered by or through Bournemouth University (.bournemouth.ac.uk).

For your own protection please be aware Cyber related threats are constantly being developed to beat our own counter security measures and can cause considerable harm to individuals, as many attempt to steal personal identifiable information. They can also have a huge impact on the university’s IT operations.

We’re not aware that any BU students have been affected but please protect yourself and the university by taking time to be vigilant.

To find out more about these types of threats and how to protect yourself and others, please head to Get Safe Online or contact BU’s Cyber Security Unit or BU IT Services Helpdesk.

Stay safe online – Student Finance phishing scams

Student-Loans-Company-LogoThe Student Loans Company have advised that there has been a large number of phishing emails and text messages going to students from fake Student Finance Services and some look very authentic.

Phishing scams are very common around this time of year, so we advise you to be extra cautious. Please read more about phishing on the SLC website, or watch the You Tube video by Student Finance England.

Student Loans Company are committed to protecting students and their information. There are a number of steps which you can take to stay safe online, find out more on the SLC website.

Think Before You Click

cyber-security-1Due to the open nature of our environment, BU is one of many organisations targeted with spam and phishing emails – these are designed to look as though they come from banks, credit card companies, online shops and auctions, as well as other trusted organisations.

These emails are designed to encourage you to open the attachments or click on links which then deliver threats (Malware). These threats are constantly being developed to beat our own counter security measures.

The threats cause considerable harm to individuals, as they attempt to steal personal identifiable information and ultimately have a huge impact on the university’s IT operations.

IT Services urges all staff and students to protect themselves – and the university – by taking time to be vigilant before opening attachments or clicking on links from unknown sources.

To find out more about these types of threats and how to protect yourself and others, please head to Get Safe Online or contact BU’s Cyber Security Unit.