Compromised emails – disturbing and offensive messages
We have had a number of reports from people who have received an email containing highly disturbing material as well as reports from a number of people whose email accounts have been compromised and used to send these messages to their contacts.
The University absolutely and categorically condemns these abhorrent messages and images and we understand how upsetting this content is. We consider this a hate crime and have already reported it to the police and are providing them with material to help with their investigation. We are also investigating how this happened from an IT security basis and early indications are that the attack originated from the US and targeted a student-led facebook group. While we do not believe that any students are responsible for these messages, if it is found to have been originated by a member of the University community, they will be investigated as a matter of urgency.
Below are a series of steps with advice on action that you can take.
IT Guidance
- If you have received an email containing this information please do not open the attachments. Please do not forward nor share these and if you have not already permanently deleted them please do so.
- If you have received a message entitled “Dancing & Spirituality Survey” and responded to it you must change your password if you have not already done so.
- If you have been locked out of your account please contact the IT Service Desk.
Support available
We recognise that the content of these messages may be distressing and, if you need to speak to someone today, please see contact details below:
- For students – you can access our Pause drop-in sessions on campus, or for phone or e-mail support.
- Students can also text SHOUT to 85258 to start a supportive conversation through this confidential national service.
- Access information about wellbeing support available from the University.