Warning: Stop using Internet Explorer

For the first time, the University of Copenhagen is now warning staff and students of the consequences of using Microsoft’s internet browser Internet Explorer.

Internet Explorer (IE) is a browser used by a large number of staff and students. This is based on traffic statistics to this site UniversityPost.dk and the Danish-language site Uniavisen.dk, which have predominantly University of Copenhagen staff and student followings.

The University of Copenhagen’s communication department and IT security have issued a statement that, »you can use Internet Explorer to visit UCPH websites, but you are advised to use a different browser if you are visiting other internet sites.«

Only use Internet Explorer for UCPH sites

A security breach in Internet Explorer versions 6, 7, 8 and 9 can »grant hackers access to your computer, if you are visiting websites that are infected by a virus,« writes Section Manager in UCPH Communication Jens Barslund Ellehauge and Head of IT Security Henrik Larsen.

They add that many UCPH IT systems require the use of Internet Explorer.

»…there is no problem in doing this, as long as you only visit UCPH websites (ku.dk or KUnet) and use UCPH IT systems (ScanPas, Absalon etc.). If you need to browse other websites, it is recommended that you use a different browser, such as Google Chrome, Firefox or Safari (please note if your local IT department allows installation of other browsers on your UCPH computer),« they write.

Change security settings

»If you cannot avoid using Internet Explorer, please set your security settings to ‘high’ – see directions on how to change Internet Explorer security settings. This change prohibits active content in the browser, and certain functions on for example KUnet will not work under this setting.«

»Once Microsoft has made a security update, this news article will be updated. Until then, please follow the recommendations in this article.«

For more details on how to change your browser or settings check KUnet (needs log-in)
here.

universitypost@adm.ku.dk

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