10 Key Cyber Security Tips
- Use a strong password, ensuring that your QMUL password is different to any passwords used for personal accounts. The National Cyber Security Centre recommends that you combine three random words to create a password that’s ‘long enough and strong enough’ https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/top-tips-for-staying-secure-online/three-random-words
- Use a password manager to help store your passwords and create new secure passwords. For further guidance please visit https://www.its.qmul.ac.uk/cybersecurity/information-security/password-managers/
- Use the SLAM method to help spot suspicious emails:
• Sender: check the sender’s email address
• Links: Hover and check any links before clicking
• Attachments: Don’t open attachments from someone you don’t know or attachments you weren’t expecting
• Message: Check the content of the message and keep an eye out for bad grammar or mistakes
- Update all devices and apps so that all fixes and security updates are applied as soon as possible.
- Lock your computer when leaving your desk to ensure that any personal or sensitive information can not be viewed or tampered with.
- Protect and lock away paper files with sensitive data so that only people that need to access the information have sight of it.
- Be aware of what information you’re sharing on social media so that cyber threat actors cannot use the information in a phishing attack.
- Use a VPN when connecting to public wifi and avoid accessing sensitive information as public wifi has less security controls. Visit the NCSC guidance on VPNs for further information - https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/device-security-guidance/infrastructure/virtual-private-networks
- Enable Multi Factor Authentication where you can on your social media and other accounts (such as paypal, amazon and other online shopping sites).
- If you see something, say something! If you notice anything suspicious contact the IT Service desk using one of the following methods:
