The Information Security Department would like to announce that it has unblocked bit.ly, a URL shortening service that is commonly used online. A link shortener is a service that shrinks to a more manageable length. While URL shorteners are convenient to use and often necessary in order to meet the character limits of some social media sites, they are also a target for hackers. A malicious site can hide behind a shortened URL and become difficult to detect by both technology and humans.
Bit.ly was recently blocked by InfoSec due to reports that an overwhelmingly large number of URLs were being flagged as malicious by our threat intelligence sources. We would like to remind users to exercise caution and vigilance when visiting shortened URL links on their KAUST machines and personal devices including mobile phones and tablets. Keep the following tips in mind to stay secure:
- Do not click on links that are not from trusted entities
- Report any suspicious communications (emails, messages) that include shortened URLs by clicking the “Report a Phish” button.
If you have any concerns about a link or notice anything strange on your device, please contact askinfosec@kaust.edu.sa. We are always happy to help and answer any questions you may have regarding any InfoSec concerns.
Thank you,
KAUST Information Security Department