Protecting my devices

Because mobile devices can easily be misplaced or stolen, it is a good idea to set a passcode (or PIN code) on your smart phone or tablet. Setting your device to automatically lock will prevent thieves from accessing your emails, phone numbers and social networking information. 

You can find more information on configuring a passcode or PIN in the following guides: 

• Apple support: Use a passcode with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch  
• Android help: Check or change security settings for Android devices  
• Windows support: Lock screen FAQ  

Many smart phones and tablets now come with built-in GPS (global positioning system) functionality. You can use this feature to locate your device in the event it is stolen or goes missing. 

Learn how to configure device tracking for: 

• Apple support: Set up Find My iPhone on all of your devices  
• Google account help: Be ready to find a lost Android device  
• Microsoft account support: Find and lock a lost Windows device  

Just like a computer, smart phones and tablets are susceptible to viruses and other malicious software. Reading app reviews is a good way to verify the trustworthiness of an app author.  

Mobile devices are great for providing instant access to all your information on the go. Because these devices follow us wherever we go, they are susceptible to being lost or stolen. Avoid storing sensitive information such as banking details, passwords or addresses on your mobile device, or use a password manager to store it securely. 

Hackers can use public wifi hotspots to surreptitiously intercept and steal your passwords, emails and other sensitive information. 

The following tips can help increase your privacy when accessing information from your smart device outside of the University: 

• Avoid public wifi hotspots where possible and use your 3G/4G internet connection instead 
• Only use secure websites 

Security software such as antivirus, anti-spyware or personal firewall will help protect your computer from viruses, spyware and hackers. You can choose to either install these products separately, or use an all-in-one suite that bundles them together. 

• Enable your software firewall 
  • Windows firewall   
  • Mac firewall  
• Install antivirus software such as Bitdefender, Sophos , Trend Micro  etc. 

Software companies regularly issue free updates to fix security problems in their software. These fixes are called patches and should be applied regularly to prevent hackers from gaining access to your computer. 

Most operating systems and application software can be configured to update automatically. Check your program settings for a ‘check for updates’ option. 

• Operating system updates 
  • Windows updates   
  • Mac updates  

Microsoft is no longer providing support or patches for Windows 7. This can leave your computer vulnerable to hackers as security problems are no longer being fixed. If you are using Windows 7, we strongly recommend that you upgrade your personal computer to Windows 10. 

Your personal computer is an essential tool for working and studying at the University. Because it contains important files including emails, passwords and other sensitive information you should protect your computer at all times. 

Here are some simple steps you can take to safeguard your personal computer: 

• Immediately lock your screen when you walk away from your computer 
• Set your screen saver to automatically lock after 10 minutes of inactivity 
  • Windows screen-saver   
  • Mac screen-saver  
• Never leave your computer unattended in public areas 

Passwords aren’t unbreakable but they can prevent strangers from casually accessing your computer. 

Here are some steps you can take to set and protect your password: 

• Choose a strong password or passphrase
• Your computer’s password should be 100% unique and unlike any other password you use 
• Never reuse old passwords 
• Change your password at least once a year 

Learn more about password security here.