Important message about security and public computers

It recently came to light that keylogger devices, used to log every key pressed on a keyboard, were found on some public computers at Concordia University. These devices put the privacy and security of user information at risk.

McGill’s IT Services has since inspected McGill’s public computers and no keyloggers were found. IT Services does regular checks to ensure the safety of McGill’s public computers and are asking users to be vigilant as well. 

Read the email below that circulated to the McGill community on March 22 and click here to learn how to identify keyloggers and the steps to take if you see anything suspicious.

Ghilaine Roquet, McGill’s Chief Information Officer and Associate Vice-Principal (Information Technology Services), sent the following message to the McGill community on Tuesday, March 22:

On March 21, 2016, Concordia University students and staff were notified that keylogger devices, used to log every key pressed on a keyboard, were found on some of their express library computers. Concordia’s security department shared information with their counterparts at McGill so that we could verify the safety of our public computers.

The majority of public computers managed by IT Services have already been inspected to verify that no keyloggers are attached, and the inspection will be completed by tomorrow. While we do regularly review and inspect the computers and IT infrastructure managed by McGill, we strongly encourage all McGillians to be vigilant when using any public computer, be it on, or off campus.

If you ever notice any suspicious activity or devices attached to McGill computers, even if it looks like someone accidentally left their USB key, please contact IT Services immediately.

We encourage you to read about how to spot them for more information.