Security
Top 10 Security Tips
The best defence is awareness. Stay safe online by following these simple tips.
1. Sussex is a high-value target
Cyber-criminals see you as a valuable, vulnerable target. Attacks and campaigns can be clever and persuasive. Don鈥檛 ever say 鈥渋t鈥檒l never happen to me鈥.
Click here to learn about the common security threats at Sussex,
or see the latest threats at the top of this page.
2. Protect Sensitive Data
Is your data safe? Encrypt your mobile device and any sensitive data you share over the internet.
Click here to learn about encryption.
3. Beware phishing emails and calls
Cyber criminals will try to convince you to give away your personal details. Look out for suspicious emails or phone calls. They might request personal information or ask for your password.
Click here to learn about phishing
4. Don鈥檛 leave computers or devices unlocked
Keep your devices physically secure, including your computer(s), phone and any data storage media (memory sticks/hard drives/CDs).
Click here to see what happens if you leave your computer unsecured.
5. Keep your software up-to-date
Keep your operating systems, web browsers and other applications up-to-date to benefit from the latest security updates. Turn on automatic updates where possible.
Click here for advice about software updates.
6. Take care when you follow links
Avoid visiting unknown websites or downloading software from untrusted sources. If attachments or links in email are unexpected or suspicious for any reason, don't click on them.
Click here for more information about spotting a fake link.
7. Mobile and Wi-Fi Security
Is your phone safe? Make sure it鈥檚 locked with a password or PIN and keep this private. Update the operating system when prompted and install security software and encryption where possible.
Stay safe using public and home Wi-Fi networks.
Click here for mobile and Wi-Fi security advice.
8. Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication
Do you know how to make a genuinely secure password?
Do not use the same password for multiple accounts and never share your password
Use a password manager and set up MFA on your accounts.
Click here for advice about strong passwords and password managers.
9. Use anti-virus and anti-malware software
Install security software from a known and trusted source on all your devices.
Click here for security software advice.
10. Back up your data
Use cloud-based systems to back up your data where possible. OneDrive and Box are provided by IT Services. If you use physical storage media, store this separately from your computer.
Click here to learn about cloud storage.
See also
Information security
Policies and guidance on how information is managed at Sussex
Passwords
Our guide to choosing and using passwords
Computing accounts
Frequently asked questions about computing accounts at Sussex
My ITS account
Login to change your password and set email options
Common questions
Fraud emails (phishing)
What is phishing? How to spot a phishing email.
Spam
How do IT Services fight spam?
Personal devices
Updated on 17 May 2023