cyber security

Be safe online

Introduction

We have all adapted to an online world, whether you are talking to friends, shopping, information searching, studying, networking, or joining forums. Whilst being online can make life easier, it comes with risks of scams, fraud, and danger.

 

If you feel uncomfortable with any University material or the behaviour of staff or students online you should always raise this with your tutor or other member of staff

Main body

Here are some useful ways to protect yourself and your devices:

Protect your Passwords

  • Use good passwords – we recommend three random words, mixed upper and lower case, separated by punctuation.
     
  • Don’t reuse passwords.
     
  • If you have too many passwords to remember, look into getting a password manager app for your phone that securely encrypts them.
     
  • Never tell anyone your password – even IT. (You are responsible for anything done using your account!)

Always use Backups

Three-two-one rule for backups:

  • Always have at least three copies of everything important (Original and two backups, in case a backup goes bad).
     
  • Always use at least two different backup methods. (For example, one backup to a USB disk, the other to the cloud, in case a backup method goes bad).
     
  • Keep one backup copy far away from all the other copies. (so if your flat gets flooded, you don’t lose all three copies at once). Every student gets free online storage via UWL OneDrive – make use of it.

Security Features for your Devices

  • Turn on the security features of your devices. Use a password, PIN code or biometric scan (fingerprint, face recognition).
  • You need antivirus. The built-in one that comes with your computer is good enough for most people. Most of the big Antivirus companies like Avira, BitDefender, and Sophos have free versions that are just as good at finding malware as their paid versions.
     
  • Don’t steal content (software, films, etc.) - not just because it’s bad for creators (like many of our students), but because the sites involved are riddled with malware, crypto-jackers, and other nasties.
     
  • Turn on automatic updates on your laptops and phones so you get all the latest security fixes (and so your antivirus gets updates too).

Do not trust unknown emails

  • Look out for phishing messages and other scams.
     
  • Students are being targeted through their student emails and smartphones. Messages may suggest you owe money, be threatening, or offering something being too good to be true.
     
  • Be careful what information about yourself you share. Do not share personal information or bank details to anyone you are unsure of.

Know the rules

  • Read the information security policies - many companies and professional bodies have their own code of practice.
     
  • Read the terms and conditions when you sign up for something and check you are happy with them, especially when posting content you have created.
     
  • Check the privacy settings.

If you need technical support at University, you can contact the IT Service Desk for assistance.