Making sure the information we value is kept secure is important – whether this is your personal, banking, or medical records, or your University staff, student or research data.
Follow the best practices below to help keep your sensitive information secure, both in your work and personal lives.
1. If you can’t see your screen, lock your machine
Lock your computer/mobile device if you are away from it. If you leave your computer unlocked, anyone could use your account to access our systems and information.
2. Be mindful of people around you, who may be watching your screen
Someone shoulder-surfing or watching you type your password and other key information is as good as you writing it down.
3. Use complex passwords and MFA
Strong passwords contain combinations of upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security.
Find out how to change your password for your University Microsoft 365 account.
4. Never share your account or password with anyone
You are responsible for your own account and what is done with it. Using a trusted Password Manager can help you to create and manage the passwords for all your accounts.
5. Install updates
Install software updates to help reduce security vulnerabilities that criminals may try to exploit.
Use your privacy settings to manage your online presence and avoid oversharing, as cyber criminals may use your content to inform spear-phishing attacks.