UM urges caution following advisory on increased cyber risk
Advisory highlights potential cyber threats and encourages vigilance across the UM community
The University of Manitoba is encouraging staff and students to remain vigilant following an advisory from the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security warning of an increased global risk of cyberattacks related to recent geopolitical developments in the Middle East.
While there is currently no indication of cyber activity targeting Canada, the advisory notes that aligned threat actors and hacktivist groups may engage in retaliatory activity. Potential threats include phishing emails, malicious software, distributed denial‑of‑service (DDoS) attacks, credential theft, and ransomware. Indirect impacts, such as disruptions to U.S.-based service providers relied upon by Canadian institutions, are also possible.
UM’s Information Services & Technology team continues to monitor the situation and reminds the campus community that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility.
Staff and students can help reduce risk by using strong passwords, enabling multi‑factor authentication, keeping software up to date, watching for the UM external warning tag on emails, and reporting suspicious messages to spam@umanitoba.ca.
**Remember: Information Security Starts with You.**
For assistance, contact the IST Service Desk.