As spring arrives, the university remains a high-value target for cybercriminals motivated to steal sensitive research data, financial information, and account login credentials. This is an ideal time to plant the seeds of secure behaviour. Here’s some guidance to help make a start – read, share and help us grow into a secure-by-design institution.
- Avoid sharing passwords – sharing login credentials can compromise our information security. Keep your passwords confidential, use a password manager, and get in touch with the Information Centre if your team currently share passwords for any apps or services. We can help you find a more secure way to enable access.
- Don’t transfer data to external systems – our managed university systems such as Microsoft SharePoint, OneDrive, Outlook and Teams have been optimised for keeping information secure. Contact the Information Centre if you’re concerned about data you’ve stored in a third-party application.
- Be mindful of software and apps – not all application developers have the best interests of the university at heart. There are unscrupulous developers creating applications designed to secretly steal data and credentials or to install malware for criminal gain. Verify the source and integrity of any software you install or ask the Information Centre for advice.
- Respect security restrictions – many of the restrictions you’ll encounter on your managed university device and account are in place to help protect our digital assets. Using workarounds and third-party hacks can be convenient, but it also weakens our security systems. Speak to someone in the Information Centre if you have questions about restrictions that impact your workflows, and we’ll help find ways to facilitate productivity safely.
Enjoy the warmer weather and longer days. Spare a though for how the seeds you plant now can grow into a secure harvest as the season progresses. As always, contact the Information Centre in the Library or email Information.centre@stir.ac.uk with any questions, concerns, or requests for assistance.