Awareness: Safe start at Trier University of Applied Sciences

Password security

Change your initial password as soon as possible after receiving your access data. Choose a secure password and only use it for university services. Never give your password to third parties.

Security risk: Phishing

We receive numerous phishing emails every day. Unfortunately, our systems cannot recognize all messages and flag them accordingly for you or prevent them from being delivered to your mailbox. To avoid falling for these attempted attacks, your attention is of the utmost importance. Be skeptical and question e-mails that contain links to supposedly important information or attachments or that ask you to take immediate action. Check the sender address of the e-mail to make sure it is correct and ask if you are in any doubt.

Security risk: Outlook (new) app

The Outlook app for iOS and Android and the Outlook (new) app for Windows 10 and Windows 11 do not establish a direct connection to the university's email servers, but instead route all data via third-party servers. Your login data, including your password, is then stored on these servers. This is contrary to §5(d) of the user regulations of Trier University's computer centers and represents a security risk. You should therefore avoid using these apps at all costs. Email programs recommended for use with your university email account can be found on the following page: Email programs

IMPORTANT: If you have used one of the apps in the past, uninstall it and change your university password immediately.

Security risk: missing updates

To ensure that your end devices and the software products you use do not become a gateway for cyber attacks, please note the following:

• Update your devices and software products promptly as soon as an update is available. Whenever possible, switch on the automatic update function of the products.
• Remove unnecessary software from your computer or have it removed by the IT departement.
• Get rid of applications that are no longer being actively developed and therefore no longer receive security updates.
• Only obtain required applications directly from the manufacturer and their website. On mobile devices, only use the official app stores.
• Only software used for business purposes may be installed on business devices.
• Before installing new applications, check which data the software accesses and which authorizations are required. Regulate the granting of authorizations as strictly as possible.

Instructions, information and assistance

On the pages of the IT departements you will find numerous instructions and help on topics related to IT at the university (e.g.: WLAN, VPN connection, 2-factor authentication,...).
If your questions are not answered there, please contact the helpdesk at your place of study or work (help(at)hochschule-trier.de or help(at)umwelt-campus.de).