Stay Safe from Cyber Attacks

Help us fight cyber attacks at Kent!

Right now, there’s an increased threat of cyber attacks specifically targeting staff working in finance roles in UK public sector / education sector organisations.

We already have strong and robust security procedures and protocols, and the University has strong cyber security practices in place. Although we work hard to prevent attacks, cyber criminals are constantly trying to get around our systems to:

  • get you to share your passwords and personal data
  • infect your device with malicious software

Most attacks come in the form of fraudulent / phishing emails, which can look very convincing, but are fake.

How you can help

We do everything we can to keep you and our services safe, but your help is important too:

  • Don’t use your Kent IT account credentials to sign up for or to register for any external services (not University of Kent), if you have any doubts about the authenticity of the request – if in doubt always check with IS helpdesk
  • Don’t click on links in unexpected emails: not all links are genuine. Go to the organisation’s web site instead and search for the information there.
  • Criminals use publicly available information about you to make their emails appear convincing. Review your privacy settings and think about what you post and where.
  • Be aware of the techniques that criminals use in emails: this can include urgency or authority cues that pressure you to act.
  • Criminals exploit ‘normal’ business communications and processes. Make sure you know the University’s policies and processes to make it easier to spot unusual activity.

Please read and follow our guidelines so you know how to work safely and with caution when online.

Why this matters

We can’t guarantee that our systems won’t be compromised and that we won’t experience any disruption. But with your help, we can reduce the risk. Please use our resources to stay educated and stay alert.

Help and support

Our support staff are on hand to make sure you are well supported. Anybody can click on a phishing email at any point. If you do, let us know immediately so that we can reduce any potential harm.

If you have any concerns or experience any problems please contact:

IT and Library Support.
Block D, Ground Floor, Templeman Library
Information Services, University of Kent
Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NZ
Tel: 01227 82 4888