Device Security

Staff and students access university systems using laptops, tablets and smartphones daily. It is essential to keep these devices secure as they often contain information vital to the University’s teaching, learning and research initiatives.

Unauthorised access can occur when devices are stolen or lost, leaving you and the university vulnerable to information and data theft. Leaving devices unattended can invite theft or allow strangers access to confidential information.

Avoid leaving the following devices unattended unless stored in a locked cupboard, drawer, or office.

• PC
• Laptops and tablets
• Mobile phones

Please report any lost or stolen devices to IT as soon as possible to minimise data loss or inappropriate use of personal information and university data.

Phone Security

Our mobile phones go everywhere with us. But how many times have you misplaced your phone in your home? Misplacing your device in the safe confines of your home is no big deal, but what about outside the safety of those walls? It’s incredibly easy for someone to steal a mobile device that’s left out in the open.

Physically secure your phone - to better protect your data, make it a habit to secure your devices when you’re in public.

• Don’t leave them unattended at a restaurant table, airport check-in counter, or work desk.
• Don’t leave your phone in the car.
• Be careful about “walking and talking” - brazen thieves have been known to snatch phones right out of users’ hands and disappear into crowds.

In general, treat your mobile device like a wallet full of cash or an expensive piece of jewellery; take precautions so it isn’t gone in a flash.

Other ways to protect your phone data

Use the following ways to keep your device secure:

• Secure Passwords - make sure passwords are not easy to guess – avoid basic passwords such as 123456, or abcd
• Biometrics - use your fingerprint or face recognition locks to log into your phone and to secure banking apps.
• Secure Networks - avoid conducting business on your device when connected to public or unsecured networks – such as banking, work emails etc. - open networks with no password are not secure. They should not be trusted to keep confidential information secure. Set your device to prompt before joining new networks
• Secure storage – don’t store anything you're not willing to lose or share on a mobile device
• Screen lock - set a lockout period for inactivity
• Don’t store other account passwords on your device unless encrypted
• Software Updates - keep your operating system up to date with the latest updates and patches
• Do not jailbreak your phone - this removes security features and the ability to apply security updates.
• Firewalls - activate any security features, such as firewalls available on your device
• Autofill - avoid settings autocomplete for forms and online applications
• Keep wireless profiles to a minimum - remove any old and previously used wireless profiles that are no longer required
• Pop-Ups - configure your browsers to block pop-ups
• Reset devices - remember to perform a factory reset and delete all contents before discarding, exchanging, selling or donating your device.
• Bluetooth - turn off Bluetooth when not in use, as having it available can expose you to Bluetooth pairings which can leave your data exposed.
• Location settings - turn off GPS and location settings