Top ten tips for students
1. Familiarise yourself with the Computer User Agreement within the University Rules.
2. Never share your password, do not let others use your University computer account and do not use the same password for the University that you use for your personal stuff.
3. Make your password memorable, but hard to guess, change it every year or any time you think someone else might know what it is. See the ISS password advice page for further information.
4. Keep the personal information you have used to identify yourself for security purposes private. Do not mix it with the personal information that you share with others.
5. Keep your computer up-to-date with virus scanning software—PCs and Macs are both vulnerable.
6. Check websites are secure before typing in personal details. For example, when paying for goods check that the browser displays a locked padlock and the web address in the URL starts with HTTPS.
7. Never respond to phishing attacks—i.e. any email which seems to be asking for sensitive information, such as your username and password. Take a look at threatwatch for further information.
8. When using Social Networking sites know who you network with, set your privacy settings appropriately and be cautious of what you 'say' e.g. do not cause offense, do not slander or breach copyright.
9. Keep personal information off mobile phones/devices, USB sticks and the cloud, unless encrypted. Encryption options are available on the ISS security web page.
10. Always log off when you have finished using a public access PC.
This list of essential tips is not a replacement for the Information Security policy and associated documents, but it is a good place to start. More information is available from:
- Information Security Policy
- Lancaster Answers
- ISS Service Desk
- Get Safe Online from the UK Government
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