Acting correctly in an emergency

Find out what you should do if you have become a victim of phishing, malware or fraud.

Phishing

Have you opened a fraudulent link and entered your u:account access data on this phishing page? Take the following steps:

  1. Change your u:account password immediately.
  2. Report the incident using the Servicedesk form Einen IT-Security Vorfall melden (reporting an IT security incident, in German). The IT security team will then check whether your u:account has already been compromised.

Malware

Have you downloaded, opened or unpacked a Word, Excel or ZIP file attached to or linked in a fraudulent e-mail? Take the following steps:

  1. Disconnect your computer from the network.
  2. Shut down your computer completely as fast as possible and keep it turned off. Do NOT use the sleep mode.
  3. The ZID strongly recommends changing all passwords that you use on the device, i.e. your u:account password. Please change your passwords using another, safe device.
  4. Report the incident using the Servicedesk form Einen IT-Security Vorfall melden (reporting an IT security incident, in German).
  5. If possible, check the device or perform data recovery using an external boot medium with appropriate professional support (i.e. IT representative).
  6. To ensure the safe removal of the malware, we recommend resetting the device to the default factory settings or setting up your computer from scratch after backing up your data.
  7. If you have further questions, please contact your IT representative, the ZID Helpdesk, the IT Security team of the ZID or other qualified persons of trust. 

Fraud

Have you replied to a fraudulent e-mail? By doing so, you have confirmed that the e-mail address of your u:account can be reached. Take the following steps:

  1. Report the incident using the Servicedesk form Einen IT-Security Vorfall melden (reporting an IT security incident, in German). The IT security team will check whether your u:account has already been compromised.
  2. Change your u:account password immediately to better protect your account.
  3. In the near future, pay particular attention to e-mails, text messages and phone calls.

If you have also already purchased vouchers or prepaid cards or sent the codes: Report the incident to the Data Protection Officer of the University of Vienna via dsba@univie.ac.at.

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