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SoSafe returns! (01.12.2025)
On Monday the 1st of December the new episode of SoSafe begins!
An important part of information security is not regarding software itself but regarding humans. Many cyberattacks do not start with highly complex technology, but rather with a simple phishing email. That’s why it is important for all of us at HCU to refresh our basic knowledge of cybersecurity from time to time. We do that by utilizing SoSafe. SoSafe is an e-learning tool with several short videos and quizzes. All modules are available both in English and German.
You can always get the recent news about SoSafe at: en/hcu-informationssicherheit/sosafe
Increase in fraudulent phishing emails currently in circulation
Dear students,
Various universities are currently reporting fraudulent phishing emails that specifically target students. These emails contain payment requests, for example for semester fees. The senders often pretend to be official university bodies in order to gain trust.
Please note the following information to protect yourself from fraud:
- Check the sender of the email critically. Pay particular attention to unusual or deviating sender addresses.
- Carefully compare the payment information provided (IBAN, recipient, etc.) with the official university data you have
- Check whether the corresponding notifications or fee notices are also stored in your ahoi account.
Official fee notices and payment requests are only provided via the ahoi account.
If you have any doubts about the authenticity of an email, do not make any payments and do not forward the message. Instead, contact the OS ticket system at https://cn-ticket.hcu-hamburg.de/open.php/ to verify authenticity.
Thank you for your attention and for acting with caution.
phishing: "mailbox full" (21.11.2025)
In a recent phishing scam, emails are being sent out claiming that your mailbox needs to be updated. Do not click on the link. The website just tries to steal your password. If you have entered your password on the linked website, please let us know at hcu-informationssicherheit(at)vw.hcu-hamburg.de. We will treat your case confidentially.
CEO Fraud Warning
Dear colleagues,
a significant amount of HCU members are currently affected by a CEO fraud wave. In an e-mail they are allegedly asked by a professor to answer the email. In the course of a typical CEO fraud conversation, a victim is often being asked for a iTunes purchase or something alike.
Please do not reply to this email! If you have become a victim, I would appreciate a report. Your concern will be treated confidentially.
Many thanks to the helpful contributor. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact HCU Information Security.
We launched the new version of the HCU information security website!
Our new site is visually more appealing, features an improved navigation and way more information all about information security at HCU.
As usual the content is available in both German and English. While all website texts are already translated you may find that some documents are only available in German or English, their translations will follow over the next few months.
More updates will follow!
Caught a phishing mail?
You got a phishing mail that isn’t listed below?
Several phishing attacks reach the HCU, some targeted and some more widespread. If a specific phishing mail is occurring more often, we can warn about it on our website and via the mailing list.
If you receive a phishing e-mail, you can send it to us and we’ll take the appropriate next steps. Just forwarding the mail is not sufficient since some important details go missing this way. Below this text you can find a PDF where the safe way to send phishing mails is described in detail.
Phishing-Archive
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Old-News-Archive
The news in this segment are not necessarily up-to-date anymore. While some parts may still be true other are not. This is merely an archive and the old news are only visible to members of HCU. For current news please only refer to the news above or the other parts of our website. We are available in case you have any questions.
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Contact Us
You did not get all the information you need? The HCU information security is here for all your further questions:
E-Mail:
hcu-informationssicherheit(at)vw.hcu-hamburg.de