Your Security Online

Passwords are a crucial part of computer security. Weak passwords can now be instantly compromised by malicious individuals or automated software. 

What can you to do create a strong password?

Do: 

• Use 10 or more alphanumeric characters, your password ideally should be as long as possible, whilst remaining memorable
• Use at least one capital letter and lower case letters
• Use at least one number
• Use at least one special character (@, #, $, %, * and +)
• Use a phrase that contains unrelated words - For example, you could combine 3 words together, pizza, snow and car to create pizz@sn0wCar

Don’t: 

• Don’t use personal information (Birthdays, addresses, phone numbers and names of family or pets) 
• Don’t recycle passwords (e.g. Password1 to Password2) 
• Don’t write or share passwords with friends, family or colleagues and change your password straight away if you think someone knows it
• Don’t write down passwords 
• Don’t use the same password across multiple accounts 
• Do not use work-related information such as building names, system commands, companies, hardware or software

If you believe your ‘Your Account’ password has been compromised, report it immediately.

Using an unsecure connection can mean that people can eavesdrop on your internet activity, which could include personal sensitive data. Use websites with the padlock symbol in your web address bar, as mentioned above, so your information is secure from snooping. Likewise, you should:

• Ensure that the equipment you are using to access our online services cannot be overlooked by another person
• When you have completed your transaction or wish to take a break, log-off from the service and close down your Internet browser
• Do not use a public computer to access your online accounts because you cannot be certain that the public computer is safe and secure. It could be infected with a virus that will try to collect your password or other personal information
• Using an email account that is not shared with other family members will help keep your communications confidential

Keeping your software up-to-date

Software and app companies are continually developing their products to be more secure by releasing security updates. These updates are primarily to fix any vulnerabilities that cyber criminals could exploit to access your personal sensitive data. Malware, like viruses, trojans, adware or spyware among others, infects your computer with malicious software that could steal your personal information. Therefore, installing these security updates as soon as possible will reduce the risk of your data being stolen. You will receive prompts and notifications on your device to inform you of an update.

If you haven’t been prompted to update your web browser by the browser itself, you can check the What is My Browser? Website to see what version you’re using and, if necessary, download and install the latest one.

A few tips to help protect your device:

• Keep all software and applications up to date
• Avoid conducting personal tasks when connected to unsecured Wi-Fi points (such as online banking or email)
• Be wary of what you’re downloading, not all applications are legitimate and safe
• De-activate Bluetooth capability when not in use

Antivirus software detects, prevents and removes malware. Malware is malicious software that is designed to disrupt, damage, or gain authorized access to a computer system. However, antivirus is only effective if it is kept up to date. Most antivirus software includes an auto-update feature. It is recommended that this is enabled at all times.

A firewall is a network security device that monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic and decides whether to allow or block specific traffic based on a defined set of security rules. Your computer will have a built in firewall that must not be turned off or have its settings amended unless you know what you are doing.