No cybersecurity incident is too big or too small to report. If something seems suspicious to you, we want to know about it! The methods you can use to report cybersecurity incidents are listed below.
Suspicious Emails
If you have received a phishing message:
- Do not respond
- Follow the instructions on
If you clicked on the link or opened the attachment in a phishing email, complete the above steps before proceeding with the following:
- Scan your system for viruses
- Change your NetID password by going to queensu.ca/its
- Update your security questions when changing your password
Computer or Mobile Device Theft
If you suspect that your device has been stolen, you can report the theft of computing equipment to Queen’s Campus Security and Emergency Services at 613-533-6733.
If your device contained university data and your device was not encrypted, this is a security incident and must be treated as such.
Campus Security and Emergency ServicesUnauthorized Access and Copyright Violations
Please report unauthorized network access attempts, and copyright violations originating from IP addresses starting with 130.15, to abuse@queensu.ca.
Unauthorized access refers to individuals accessing an organization's networks, data, endpoints, applications or devices, without receiving permission.
Online Harassment and Cyberbullying at Queen's
The Online harassment and cyberbullying at ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ program is a joint initiative of the Human Rights Office, Campus Security and Emergency Services, Information Technology Services, and the Office of the Vice Provost and Dean of Student Affairs.
Students should be aware that the Criminal Code applies to email, and that violations can be turned over to the local police for investigation.
It is also a violation of the Criminal Code to use someone else's name or computer NetID (userid) to impersonate them in sending email. If you have received email of this type, preserve a copy of the message as it contains information that may help identify the actual sender.
Have you experienced online harassment?
Online harassment, also known as cyberbullying, is a pattern of unwanted behaviour involving electronic technology that is known, or ought reasonably to be known, to be unwelcome. Online harassment typically results in the creation of an intimidating, demeaning and/or hostile working, living or learning environment. It can involve communication tools such as:
- Social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube)
- Online discussion forums
- Anonymous posting forums
- Websites and blogs
- Text, photo, video, and audio messaging
- Online games
Online harassment uses language or images that humiliate, threaten, or violate the privacy of the targeted person(s). It may include, but is not limited to:
- Aggressive personal attacks
- Racist, sexist, homophobic put-downs or threats
- Stalking
- Rumour spreading
- Sharing of personal information/photos without consent
- Shaming/ostracism
- Impersonation
Please note: Unsolicited advertising is a regular annoyance when using email. It is not normally treated as harassment unless it is persistent and/or obscene.
Here's what to do:
DO NOT IGNORE THE HARASSING BEHAVIOUR and DO NOT ERASE THE OFFENSIVE MESSAGES
IMMEDIATELY contact Campus Security and Emergency Services at 613-533-6111 if you are feeling threatened. Campus Security services are available 24/7, 365 days of the year.
SAVE detailed records of each incident. Remember to keep or write down as much information as possible about the incident including date, time, location, witnesses, etc.
TAKE screenshots or make PDFs of virtual messages that include the date and time stamps.
MINIMIZE contact with the harasser. After documenting the conduct, take steps to block calls and texts, adjust your privacy settings, and avoid further communication with the harasser.
SPEAK to an Advisor in the Human Rights Office about your options. The Human Rights Office can be reached at hrights@queensu.ca (or 613-533-6886), Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm. For help from Information Technology Services (ITS), call 533-6666 Monday to Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm.