University of Otago
Hackers Use University of Otago Email Accounts To Send 1.55 Million Spam Messages
By Adam Dodge - Posted on August 14th, 2008
Quick Facts
- Date: 8/15/2008
- Institution: University of Otago
- Type of Incident: Impersonation
- Number Affected: 4
- Source: Pogo Was Right
- Abstract Source: Otago Daily Times
Abstract
Computer criminals were able to gain access to four University of Otago email accounts and use this access to send out 1.55 million spam messages. The computer accounts, belonging to university employees, were compromised after the university was targeted with a wave of "spear phish" emails asking recipients to respond with username and password information. The four employees do not face any disciplinary action but instead the university's information security office is using this as an opportunity to reach out to the university community.
