%PDF-1.3 1 0 obj << /Type /Catalog /Outlines 2 0 R /Pages 3 0 R >> endobj 2 0 obj << /Type /Outlines /Count 0 >> endobj 3 0 obj << /Type /Pages /Kids [6 0 R ] /Count 1 /Resources << /ProcSet 4 0 R /Font << /F1 8 0 R /F2 9 0 R /F3 10 0 R /F4 11 0 R >> >> /MediaBox [0.000 0.000 612.000 792.000] >> endobj 4 0 obj [/PDF /Text ] endobj 5 0 obj << /Creator (DOMPDF) /CreationDate (D:20250726222555+00'00') /ModDate (D:20250726222555+00'00') /Title (Report 07-2025) >> endobj 6 0 obj << /Type /Page /Parent 3 0 R /Annots [ 12 0 R 14 0 R 16 0 R 18 0 R ] /Contents 7 0 R >> endobj 7 0 obj << /Length 4030 >> stream 0.702 0.800 0.816 rg 34.016 34.016 543.969 723.969 re f 1.000 1.000 1.000 rg 45.266 317.192 521.469 429.542 re f 0.773 0.773 0.773 RG 0.75 w 0 J [ ] 0 d 45.641 317.567 520.719 428.792 re S 0.773 0.773 0.773 rg 61.016 332.942 m 550.984 332.942 l 550.984 333.692 l 61.016 333.692 l f 0.200 0.200 0.200 rg BT 61.016 693.716 Td /F1 14.4 Tf [(“PLEASE SUPPORT STIAS…” EMAIL CAUSES A MAIL STORM)] TJ ET 0.400 0.400 0.400 rg BT 61.016 664.909 Td /F2 9.0 Tf [(Posted on )] TJ ET BT 104.045 664.909 Td /F3 9.0 Tf [(January 01,1970)] TJ ET BT 173.588 664.909 Td /F2 9.0 Tf [( by )] TJ ET BT 188.096 664.909 Td /F3 9.0 Tf [(David Wiles)] TJ ET 0.153 0.153 0.153 rg BT 61.016 637.420 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(There is no reason to be worried or concerned about a mail that is being circulated with the subject line starting with )] TJ ET BT 61.016 626.431 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [("PLEASE SUPPORT STIAS...")] TJ ET BT 61.016 606.442 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(Although it is definitely spam)] TJ ET BT 175.064 606.442 Td /F2 9.0 Tf [( \(defined as unsolicited commercial e-mail\))] TJ ET BT 345.605 606.442 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [( it does not appear have any dangerous content )] TJ ET BT 61.016 595.453 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(and was sent out by a university user to over 300 addresses one of which was the general IT Service Desk email address. )] TJ ET BT 61.016 584.464 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(Because it was sent to the address which automatically logs service requests the account automatically emailed all the )] TJ ET BT 61.016 573.475 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(recipients with "Cancellation" e-mails, who then replied, etc. This was no fault on the side of the IT Service desk as it is an )] TJ ET BT 61.016 562.486 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(automatic process of the Jira logging software that IT uses to track its calls.)] TJ ET BT 61.016 542.497 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(This is known as a)] TJ ET 0.373 0.169 0.255 rg BT 137.543 542.497 Td /F2 9.0 Tf [(mail storm)] TJ ET 0.373 0.169 0.255 RG 0.18 w 0 J [ ] 0 d 137.543 541.346 m 179.042 541.346 l S 0.153 0.153 0.153 rg BT 179.042 542.497 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [( in IT jargon when somebody replies to a single e-mail sent to a mailing list and inadvertently )] TJ ET BT 61.016 531.508 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(replies with a personal message to the entire mailing list leading to a snowball effect or a )] TJ ET BT 415.670 531.508 Td /F2 9.0 Tf [(mail storm)] TJ ET BT 457.169 531.508 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(. It is like a dog )] TJ ET BT 61.016 520.519 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(chasing its own tail!)] TJ ET BT 61.016 500.530 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(If you receive a mail with the subject line )] TJ ET BT 224.582 500.530 Td /F1 9.0 Tf [(")] TJ ET BT 228.848 500.530 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(ICT-338035 FW: PLEASE SUPPORT STIAS - PLAN YOUR NEXT MEETING, )] TJ ET BT 61.016 489.541 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(WORKSHOP AND OR CONFERENCE WITH US"  or "PLEASE SUPPORT STIAS - PLAN YOUR NEXT MEETING, )] TJ ET BT 61.016 478.552 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(WORKSHOP AND OR CONFERENCE WITH US" just delete it. )] TJ ET BT 61.016 458.563 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(If you want to take it further and set up a mail filter to delete all mails with that particular Subject, then you can do so. )] TJ ET BT 61.016 447.574 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(However do not blacklist the sender or report it to the )] TJ ET 0.373 0.169 0.255 rg BT 274.613 447.574 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(help@sun.ac.za)] TJ ET 0.18 w 0 J [ ] 0 d 274.613 446.423 m 339.278 446.423 l S 0.153 0.153 0.153 rg BT 339.278 447.574 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [( address or it will just perpetuate the spam, and you )] TJ ET BT 61.016 436.585 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(could block legitimate e-mails from IT or the original sender.)] TJ ET BT 61.016 416.596 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(Stay safe out there and thank you to everyone who flagged this email. It is encouraging when we have such observant )] TJ ET BT 61.016 405.607 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [(and enthusiastic users.)] TJ ET BT 432.949 385.618 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [([ARTICLE BY DAVID WILES])] TJ ET BT 61.016 365.629 Td /F4 9.0 Tf [( )] TJ ET 0.400 0.400 0.400 rg BT 61.016 347.140 Td /F2 9.0 Tf [(Posted in:E-mail,News,Security | | With 0 comments)] TJ ET endstream endobj 8 0 obj << /Type /Font /Subtype /Type1 /Name /F1 /BaseFont /Helvetica-Bold /Encoding /WinAnsiEncoding >> endobj 9 0 obj << /Type /Font /Subtype /Type1 /Name /F2 /BaseFont /Helvetica-Oblique /Encoding /WinAnsiEncoding >> endobj 10 0 obj << /Type /Font /Subtype /Type1 /Name /F3 /BaseFont /Helvetica-BoldOblique /Encoding /WinAnsiEncoding >> endobj 11 0 obj << /Type /Font /Subtype /Type1 /Name /F4 /BaseFont /Helvetica /Encoding /WinAnsiEncoding >> endobj 12 0 obj << /Type /Annot /Subtype /Link /A 13 0 R /Border [0 0 0] /H /I /Rect [ 135.0407 541.6642 137.5427 550.8217 ] >> endobj 13 0 obj << /Type /Action /S /URI /URI (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Email_storm) >> endobj 14 0 obj << /Type /Annot /Subtype /Link /A 15 0 R /Border [0 0 0] /H /I /Rect [ 137.5427 551.2879 137.5427 551.2879 ] >> endobj 15 0 obj << /Type /Action /S /URI /URI (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Email_storm) >> endobj 16 0 obj << /Type /Annot /Subtype /Link /A 17 0 R /Border [0 0 0] /H /I /Rect [ 137.5427 541.6642 179.0417 550.8217 ] >> endobj 17 0 obj << /Type /Action /S /URI /URI (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Email_storm) >> endobj 18 0 obj << /Type /Annot /Subtype /Link /A 19 0 R /Border [0 0 0] /H /I /Rect [ 274.6127 446.7412 339.2777 455.8987 ] >> endobj 19 0 obj << /Type /Action /S /URI /URI (mailto:help@sun.ac.za) >> endobj xref 0 20 0000000000 65535 f 0000000008 00000 n 0000000073 00000 n 0000000119 00000 n 0000000305 00000 n 0000000334 00000 n 0000000472 00000 n 0000000575 00000 n 0000004657 00000 n 0000004769 00000 n 0000004884 00000 n 0000005004 00000 n 0000005112 00000 n 0000005240 00000 n 0000005333 00000 n 0000005461 00000 n 0000005554 00000 n 0000005682 00000 n 0000005775 00000 n 0000005903 00000 n trailer << /Size 20 /Root 1 0 R /Info 5 0 R >> startxref 5976 %%EOF E-mail « Informasietegnologie
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Filesender – a secure service for sharing large files

Tuesday, February 5th, 2019

SANReN has implemented the latest version of Filesender, a web-based application that allows authenticated users to securely and easily send web-based large files to other users. 

Below are the guidelines for accessing the service and what values it adds to your day to day operations.

What problem does the service solve?

You need to send a file larger than a couple of megabytes to someone and the e-mail comes back: “attachment too big” or “mailbox too full”, that’s where FileSender comes in handy.

How do I use the service?

Upon logging in, you are presented with a user-friendly interface. You can set the file to be available for download for a certain period so that it automatically gets removed when the file reaches its expiry date. You have an option to drag and drop your file when uploading it to the application. You also have an option to get a link to the file after uploading it or send it to a recipient as an e-mail.

The service is integrated with the South African Identity Federation (https://safire.ac.za/), which provides a pool of institutions you can authenticate from to use the service. If your institution is not registered on SAFIRE as yet, you can log in with a social media account if you are from an eligible institution.

Where do I access the service?

You can access the service on https://filesender.sanren.ac.za

Drop us an e-mail on sysadmin@sanren.ac.za for any queries regarding the service.

Email

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Use of sun email for commercial purposes

Tuesday, February 5th, 2019

As staff and students of the University, we use our sun emails every day. But did you know that every year when you reactivate your account, you also agree to the Electronic Communication Policy? 

The ECP explains the acceptable and unacceptable use of the University’s electronic communication facilities, which include the internet and email. (read the full ECP policy here) According to the ECP, point 3.1.3: “The User shall be responsible for using the Facilities only for the purpose for which the User has been authorised.” 

IT facilities and resources are provided to advance the mission of the University. This includes learning, teaching, research, knowledge transfer, public outreach, the commercial activities of the University, or the administration necessary to support all of the above.

The email system is to be used for legitimate institutional purposes only, therefore the use of IT facilities for non-University commercial purposes, or for personal gain, is a violation of this policy.  You may not use the IT Facilities to advertise any trade, service or profession not endorsed by the University. 

Unfortunately, it’s come under our attention that some staff use their sun email address to distribute information regarding beauty products, Tupperware, etc. and acting as agent for the sale of these products. Any bulk unsolicited mail or commercial advertising of other businesses are not allowed on the University network.

If you need to send personal emails, rather consider getting a free email account, for example, Gmail. Separating your business and personal activities is also better security practice in the long run and will protect you and the University network. However, if you use your sun address for personal activities, keep in mind that the University owns any communication sent via email. If needed, University management has the right to access any material in your email or on your computer.  

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Phishing attempt: “SARS eFiling Letter notification”

Thursday, January 31st, 2019

An email with the subject “SARS eFiling Letter Notification” was sent from a staff email to staff and students on campus. The email asks you to click on a link to download your SARS documents (See example below)

This is not a legitimate SARS email, but a phishing attempt from a compromised sun email account.

SARS will never ask you to provide any personal information by means of email. By clicking on links and providing your information, you give criminals access to your personal information and your accounts.

If you clicked on the link in this phishing email, immediately change your password on www.sun.ac.za/password. For enquiries contact the IT Service Desk by logging a request or calling 808 4367. More information on phishing is available on our blog and Twitter.

Click for a larger version.
Email

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SARS phishing scam

Wednesday, January 30th, 2019

Please be on the lookout for the next phishing attack on the university network. This time (as occurred several times in 2018) it comes with a subject of “SARS eFiling Letter Notification”

This is an obvious phishing scam using a website to attempt to steal your login details.

  1. SARS will not send you an email with the salutation: “Dear Tax Payer”, they’ll address you personally.
  2. The sender is a compromised email address from an estate agent in Pretoria and not a SARS email address.
  3. The link takes you to a site that is not the SARS eFiling Server address.
  4. Apart from department admin who deals with SARS directly, university email addresses are not (and should not be) used for SARS communication.

Here is an example of the email that several of our observant colleagues and students have already reported:

Here is the phishing website that will attempt to steal your login details:

If you receive an email like this, please report it to IT Cyber Security as soon as possible.

Once you have reported the spam or phishing mail, you can delete it immediately. You can report this in two ways:

  1. By reporting it on the ICT Partner Portal. Go to https://servicedesk.sun.ac.za/jira/servicedesk/customer/portal/6/create/115. Fill in your information and add the email as an attachment. Your request will automatically be logged on the system.
  2. By sending an email. 
    1. Start up a new mail addressed to csirt@sun.ac.za.
    2. Use the Title “SPAM” (without quotes) in the Subject.
    3. With this New Mail window open, drag the suspicious spam/phishing mail from your Inbox into the New Mail Window. It will attach the mail as an enclosure and a small icon with a light yellow envelope will appear in the attachments section of the – New Mail.
    4. Send the mail.

[ARTICLE BY DAVID WILES]

Email

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Feedback on Office365 outage

Friday, January 25th, 2019

On Thursday, 24 January, from 10:30 to 22:00 Outlook users across large parts of the world were left without email. A major outage affecting, among others, South Africa, South America and Europe was caused by a technical problem at one of Microsoft’s data centres in Europe. 

Subsequently, all Stellenbosch University staff could also not access their email. Connectivity to Microsoft Exchange was restored Thursday evening late and staff and students were able to access their emails again. For a full report from Microsoft on the incident, click here 

Keep in mind that cybercriminals could use incidents like these to launch attacks on email users. Neither Microsoft, not IT will ever ask you to reactivate your Microsoft account or divulge personal details.

Please take note that, in instances where email is unavailable, our Twitter feed will be used as the main communication channel and the latest updates will be posted on the feed. For any inquiries please contact the IT Service Desk at 021 808 4367 or log a request on the ICT Partner Portal.

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