Learning online

Learning online gives you flexibility, but it also means you need to take extra care with your Notre Dame account, devices, and information. These simple steps can help protect you, your classmates, and the University.

The essentials

1. Protect your Notre Dame account

Your Notre Dame account gives you access to email, learning systems, files, and other University services.

Do:

  • Use a strong password that is different from your personal accounts.
  • Use Multi-Factor Authentication, also known as MFA.
  • Keep your MFA details up to date.
  • Report any MFA prompt you do not recognise.

Don't:

  • Share your password with anyone.
  • Approve an MFA request if you did not try to sign in.
  • Reuse passwords from personal accounts.
  • Use your Notre Dame account to access non-University or personal services, such as Netflix

2. Be alert to scams and phishing

Scammers may pretend to be the University, Microsoft, lecturers, classmates, banks, delivery companies, or other trusted organisations.

Be careful with:

  • Emails or messages asking you to act urgently.
  • Messages asking you to confirm your account or password.
  • Sign-in pages that do not look right. (Check the website address.
  • QR codes that take you to unknown websites.
  • Requests for money, gift cards, personal information, or login details.

Before you click:

  • Stop.
  • Think.
  • Check if the message is genuine.

If you are unsure, contact the sender using a trusted method, such as a known phone number or official email address.

Students are also encouraged to regularly check cybersecurity tips in the weekly student newsletters to stay aware of common scams and suspicious activity.

3. Keep your devices secure

Any device used to access University systems should be properly secured.

Ensure:

  • Turn on automatic updates for Windows, Mac, mobile phones, and tablets.
  • Keep your security protection enabled.
  • Lock your device when you step away.
  • Only install apps and software from trusted sources.
  • Avoid using devices that are shared publicly or not well protected.

4. Used approved software and services

Not all apps, websites, or online tools are safe to use with University information.

Before using new software or online services:

  • Check whether University approval is required.
  • Follow University policies and procedures.
  • Use University-provided software where available.
  • Do not use personal or unapproved tools to store University information.

5. Use AI tools responsibly

AI tools can support learning, research, and productivity, but they must be used responsibly. AI should not be used to complete academic work in a way that breaches University academic integrity requirements. Also remember that conversations with AI tools may not always be private.

Do not upload:

  • Personal information.
  • Student records.
  • Assessment material where AI use is not allowed.
  • Confidential University information.
  • Research data that has not been approved for sharing.

When working with University information, only use University-approved AI tools, currently only Copilot in Office, where permitted.

6. Protect University information

University information should be handled carefully, whether you are studying on campus, at home, or in a public place.

Good practice:

  • Save University files in OneDrive, Teams, or other approved University storage locations.
  • Avoid keeping unnecessary copies on your personal device.
  • Keep printed documents secure.
  • Be aware of who can see your screen in public spaces.
  • Do not leave your device, notes, or documents unattended.

7. Connect safely

When accessing University systems:

  • Use trusted Wi-Fi networks where possible.
  • Avoid entering your University password on shared or public computers.
  • Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi.
  • Sign out of University systems when you have finished.
  • Do not save your University password in browsers on shared devices.

IT@ND: Online secure

Although we have an ever-increasing range of safeguards to protect
ourselves from cyber-threats, we all play a role in keeping our systems safe.
Learn more about staying secure online with IT@ND: Secure online

Report Cybersecurity Incidents

Reporting quickly can significantly reduce the impact of a cybersecurity incident.

Contact the IT Service Desk immediately if you:

  • Receive a suspicious email.
  • Accidentally clicked a suspicious link.
  • Approved an MFA request you don't recognise.
  • Believe your account has been compromised.
  • Lose a laptop, phone, or other device used for University access.
  • Suspect University information has been exposed.
  • Observe suspicious activity in a University system.

If you believe your account has been compromised, reset your password as soon as possible and contact IT immediately.

IT Support

  • Phone Support: Call us between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM at 1800 878 903.
  • Service request: Log a support request through our IT Service Portal