Essential guidance: Working Securely
As our current academic year develops, it's good to remember key advice on working securely - for all staff and students.
There are three points to remember:
- for many of us, 'hybrid' working - from home and from campus - has become embedded and normal
- our institutional responsibilities for managing our devices, network, information and data securely, remain stringent and compliance is essential
- in all sectors, the scale and sophistication of criminal and malicious cyber-activity is increasing
What does this mean for me?
We ask for your continued awareness, attention and support to keep the devices and data you use, secure.
If you are using computers, laptops or other devices on the University network, and handling University data, you need to make sure they are secured against malware, hackers and accidental loss or theft.
It is University policy to ensure that all devices on the University network meet a basic, minimum security specification.
Remember these security measures to stay cyber-safe:
Use these ten pointers to help protect yourself and our University. They are ‘good-practice’ guidelines for all computer users – please follow them as much as you can and share them with others.
1. Everyone is a potential target
Don’t think it will never happen to you. Everyone is at risk. Cyber attacks can be difficult to spot, so don't hesitate to ask for further guidance or support when something feels suspicious or unusual. And if something does go wrong – report it and get help fast from the IDG Service Desk.
2. Keep software up to date
Turn on automatic software updates to ensure you are running the latest versions. Regularly connect to the campus VPN to get security updates and sync your files.
3. Keep up to date with anti-virus protection
Ensure your firewall is enabled for added protection.
4. Don’t be caught out by scams
Think before you click on links or attachments or install applications – even if they look familiar – check they come from a trusted source. If in doubt, check with the Helpdesk.
5. Use strong passwords
Use strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts and devices. And never share them. Read our advice on creating a strong password and check the National Cyber Security Centre website for more ‘stay safe’ information.
6. Back up your data
Office 365 (OneDrive, Sharepoint, Teams), your Warwick shared drive or H: Drive are all suitable places to back up your files. Remember also to keep the backups secure.
7. Protect mobile devices
Keep anything with professional or personal data on it secure at all times - things like laptops, tablets, phones. Enable authentication via passcodes and fingerprints.
8. Lock and encrypt your devices
Always secure your devices – physically and digitally. Safe storage, locked screens and encrypted drives reduce the risk of valuable or private information being lost or stolen.
9. Stay informed
Visit our news page for all the latest articles on Security and Information Management. Share information and awareness with friends and colleagues.
10. Review information with care
This website provides a single, easy-to-find location for the latest updates, important information and guidance on Information Management, Governance and Security.