SID - FAQs

I am a student

Does my research project involve data protection matters? / What do I need to keep in mind regarding data protection for my research project?

I’m interested in a training course, seminar or talk on information security and data protection – where can I find out more?

How can I continue my further education on my own?

I am an employee / lecturer

Does my research project involve data protection matters? / What do I need to keep in mind regarding data protection for my research project?

I need to document the processing of data. Where can I do that?

Processing activities are documented in the Data Protection Management Software (DPMS). You can apply for access to DPMS using the application form available on the linked page: https://uni-ko.de/vvt

The data you enter will be sent to the Staff Unit for Information Security and Data Protection, and access to DPMS will be granted following an examination. Should you have any queries, the authorised representative for Information Security and Data Protection will contact you.

How do I implement a specific policy?

I’m interested in a training course, seminar or talk on information security and data protection – where can I find out more?

How can I continue my further education on my own?

IT security incidents, information security incidents and data protection

I’ve received a suspicious email – what should I do now?

Ideally, you shouldn’t open the email in the first place. Furthermore: Under no circumstances should you open any links or attachments in this email!

If necessary – particularly in the case of recurring incidents – please report the relevant email sender’s address to the Centre for Information and Media Technologies (SID should only be notified if an IT security incident has already occurred).

You can find more information on the Centre for Information and Media Technologies website at the University of Koblenz:

How can I spot a phishing email?: Link

University of Koblenz Phishing Early Warning Service: Link

You’re also welcome to visit our Knowledge base To broaden your understanding of emails, phishing and related issues.

I’ve received an email with an attachment – what should I do?

Check the sender’s email address – and make sure it is not a phishing email.
To do this, follow the instructions provided by the Centre for Information and Media Technologies: Link

If you have any doubts about the sender, the email and/or the attachment itself, Don’t click on this!

Because when it comes to email attachments, clicking on them means downloading them.

Even viewing a ‘preview’ of the attached files counts as downloading the attachment.

Unfortunately, I clicked on a link in a phishing email / opened an attachment in a suspicious email, or something similar. What should I do?

My computer is displaying a warning message containing the words ‘virus’, ‘Trojan’, ‘malware’, ‘malicious software’ or ‘malicious programme’

Something else has happened that has raised doubts in my mind regarding data protection or information security – what should I do?

Information security: If you discover or suspect a security issue or misuse in one of the University’s IT systems, please report it immediately in accordance with the emergency procedure: Link.
Reporting this is necessary to protect you and others from consequences such as data loss and data tampering.
Data Protection: You can always send confidential enquiries to the DPO by email to datenschutz@uni-koblenz.de.
If a breach of personal data protection is suspected or detected, the DSB (Data Protection Officer) must be informed without delay.

Quick tips on IT security:

Do not open any links or attachments in emails unless you fully trust the sender.
Always keep your operating system and applications up to date.
Always use strong passwords and never share them with anyone.
Only disclose confidential information to authorised persons.
Encrypt data whenever possible when sending or uploading it (via email or to the cloud)
Avoid networks used by the general public (Wi-Fi) wherever possible.
When browsing the internet, watch out for websites that may be harmful.
If you leave your workstation, lock your device.

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