More pages in this section

Security Common Sense

  • Always lock your computer screen when you leave your desk (on Windows Ctrl Alt Del then Enter (or WindowskeyL)).
  • Be careful entering login details in public places – you don’t know who may see these over your shoulder.
  • Always log off computers in public areas such as meeting rooms or training rooms after you have used them. If someone does something to your computer when you’re not there, you will probably never know about it until it’s too late!
  • Don’t click on links or respond to emails from unknown people asking for your personal or login details.
  • Make sure your computer has acceptable anti-virus and firewall software installed and install regular updates to ensure you and your computer are protected.
  • Install software updates quickly. You will be prompted to do this on managed computers, and it is advisable that you set your personal computer up to install updates automatically (or at least prompt you that updates are ready to install).
  • Don’t access your WSU email or other important information from a shared computer or over wireless networks you don’t know. It is easy for your details or information to be copied, shared or left behind without your knowledge.
  • Don’t allow your internet browser to remember your login details.
  • Only install the software you really need and buy direct from reputable companies; never install browser software provided via a website pop-up or email.
  • Before you submit any of your personal info online, make sure the website you're on is legitimate and won't use the information for anything that's going to harm you.
  • Don't post too much information about yourself publicly, either on social media sites like Facebook, or on websites - once you've put it up online, it's very hard to remove it from the internet thanks to caching. Find out more at http://accidentaloutlaw.knowthenet.org.uk/
  • Don't open any attachments or click any links in emails from people you don't know and trust - they could be part of a scam, or could install a virus on your computer.
  • It’s really difficult to delete something from the internet. Even if you press ‘delete’, chances are it can still be found, saved and shared. Screen capture allows for material to be preserved that you may believe to be private. Pause before posting and apply a healthy dose of common sense.
  • You must not post or use copyrighted material – including, but not limited to, photography, music and video – without the explicit permission of the copyright holder. It is good practice to quote the source for all graphics/images that you use.
  • You are, however, encouraged to use creative commons media, provided you attribute sources correctly. Good sources of creative commons media include Compfight and Wikimedia Commons.
View All Exec Resources