On Friday, March 23, 2018, network security upgrades will be implemented at the Okanagan campus to university-based networks (wired connections and ubcsecure wireless). This upgrade will add a layer of protection to prevent unintentional visits to known high-risk websites through the internet.
After the upgrade, if a user on the UBC network accidentally clicks on a link to a high-risk website, their browser will redirect them to a block page. For example, if a user receives a phishing email with a link to a fraudulent website and accidentally clicks on it, they will see a block page. Only websites that are known to be high-risk will be blocked by the system, including:
- Malware sites that host malicious software, mobile threats, and more;
- Phishing sites that aim to trick users into handing over personal or financial information;
- ‘Command and Control’ servers that allow compromised devices to receive instructions from attackers; and,
- Website domains created within the last 3 days, which are frequently used for phishing campaigns.
Please note: This process is automatic and the university is not acting as a censor. This service will not track individual user website activity.
For more information and an FAQ about this new security upgrade, please visit https://privacymatters.ubc.ca/ubco-network-upgrades
