Help Center
DO’S
Use strong passwords for your devices.
Check unexpected emails before opening attachments or clicking on links in them.
Set a password or code for ALL mobile phones, laptops, PCs and tablets.
Store devices securely when not in use.
Lock your computer before leaving it unattended.
Activate the ‘lock’ function on work mobile devices.
Before using USB drives, make sure they’re safe.
Make sure your devices are getting antivirus, updates and patches and always backup devices before installing any updates.
Keep regular backups of the data stored on devices. Backup your data to a cloud account
(One Drive, Dropbox, Google Drive) or an encrypted USB device.
If your computer isn’t performing as it normally does, report it. Contact your laptop’s manufacturer (devices within warranty) or visit the computer shops along Warren Street and Goodge Street (devices with expired warranty).
Dispose of all devices containing restricted or sensitive data securely.
DONT’S
Don’t leave your devices unattended in the study rooms, bar, foyer.
Don’t write passwords down where they can easily be seen or found. Use a reliable password manager from the Apple Store or Google Play store.
If in doubt, don’t open any attachments, or click on any links in emails.
Don’t ignore system warnings, e.g. ‘expired antivirus software’. Update your antivirus with the program’s settings.
Don’t disable antivirus protection software.
Don’t respond to unexpected emails, calls or texts that claim to be from the UK DVLA, UKVI, tax office, police, mobile phone provider, internet provider bank or TV Licensing etc. These are from scammers who use “phishing” to try and extract your personal information.
Don’t immediately transfer any money when you receive an email or text even from a recognized contact like a family member or friend. Always call the person to verbally confirm they sent you the request. Scammers can use “spoofing” to send messages that look like they came from a genuine source.
Don’t respond to any web popups or unexpected emails asking you to contact someone who will do a remote screen share with you to fix your computer or update your antivirus. Most antivirus programs update automatically and if your antivirus really needs an update, it will say so in your programs menu. Do not trust any email that says your antivirus is out of date.
Don’t visit a website that is ‘untrusted’. A browser may display a red padlock or a warning message stating that “your connection is not private”.
Don’t leave devices where a thief can easily steal them.
Don’t connect your work devices to untrusted networks, e.g. public WiFi hotspots without using a reliable VPN.
Don’t download unauthorised software, music, films, content from the internet, download or upload commercial software or other copyrighted material without the correct licence and permission.