One of the measures taken by DICT to protect UGent's IT infrastructure is the sending of phishing simulation emails. After all, there is currently no conclusive technical method to stop phishing. Raising awareness and training with simulated phishing emails is therefore the best method of prevention.
To send the phishing simulation e-mails, DICT uses a software product from Phished.io. The simulations imitate real phishing emails to train you to recognise a phishing attack. Designed to be as realistic as possible, the simulation emails are personalised and are sent at random moments from time to time. On average, one simulation per month is sent to every user.
If a user is being tricked, they get a notification with some tips on what to look out for to spot phishing emails.
Those who have difficulty recognising phishing emails or want to learn more can retrain via the training modules in the Phished Academy.
The purpose of this awareness training is purely educational. Detailed statistics from the campaign are confidential and will not be shared. Results will only be used in anonymised and aggregated form to guide the campaign and monitor progress.
The UGent management endorses this campaign by DICT. It is not possible to unsubscribe from the phishing simulation campaign. Since april 2023, all staff members are included in the campaign. From the academic year 2023-2024 onwards, students are also included.
Help keep UGent's IT infrastructure safe: report any phishing emails you receive via the procedure described under "Report phishing".
Note: Report in the same way every phishing simulation mail that you recognise, then you will gradually receive more challenging simulations!