Be Safe Online

Update your devices

Don’t leave your device vulnerable. Keep it up to date with the latest security patches.

Use Anti-Virus Software – and keep it updated!

Anti-Virus (AV) scans files for patterns or signatures of known viruses and other malware. New and updated viruses are released constantly, that’s why it’s important to keep your AV up to date and your AV set to scan your system automatically. 

Make sure your firewall is turned on

Windows - Click Start, type Firewall and open Windows Firewall. Turn Windows Firewall on or off (on the left)

Mac - Apple Menu, System Preferences, Security & Privacy, Firewall, Click the padlock icon (bottom of window), enter Mac Admin password, Turn on Firewall

Do not share your passwords and make them hard to guess

Passwords are there to help keep your sensitive personal information and identity secure and also to protect the Lincoln network and the reputation of Lincoln University. Depending on the system, try to use a minimum of 8 characters including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Avoid common words, personal information (like your name, date of birth etc) and use a different password or at least a variety of passwords for each online account you access. One really good way is to use the initial letters of a song lyric or book title. Easy to remember, but hard to guess. Don’t use these but for example: GoN@Tf33t or EIowaa2ua (God of Nations at thy feet/ E Ihowā Atua) . You get the idea. 

Backup your important data

Things break, get lost, get stolen. It’s a fact of life. Protect your 3 year PhD research and thesis by having multiple copies stored in multiple locations. Keeping things in OneDrive is a good idea too, but don’t rely on any 1 single location for that important information. 

Don’t advertise that you are away from home on Social Media

Don’t put yourselves or your family in danger by updating social media when you are away from home. In addition to telling people you are gone, you may be providing people with information on how to break into your flat. A common scam involves people going away, having their email accounts broken into and then cyber criminals contacting family members claiming you were robbed in a foreign country and need money. 

Treat your personal information like cash

Your driver’s licence number, bank account numbers, IRD number, passports etc can be used to steal your money or open new bank accounts in your name. When you are asked for personal information think about whether you really trust the request. 

Don’t get Phished

Be careful about all emails you receive. If you are worried, delete it, or contact the Service Desk. Don’t provide login information or other sensitive personal information in response to links in emails. Most reputable companies won’t send you an unexpected email with a link that needs you to login out of the blue. At Lincoln we try hard not to do that. In fact, try to avoid clicking on links in emails and be very, very wary about opening attachments. 

Manage your digital footprint

We leave traces everywhere on the web, in social media, photo sharing sites etc. Think about the future, it’s already common practice for employers and landlords check you out on Facebook. Search out the information that’s available about you and be selective about who you authorise to see it. 

Don’t use public Wi-Fi

Here on campus use LUNet (Lincoln provided devices only) or Eduroam, avoid OpenCampus if you can. 
But if you must use it, or the one at a bar or café, consider using a VPN, use two factor authentication if available (e.g. banking sites), make sure firewall and antivirus is on, turn off sharing and be sure you are visiting secure (https) websites.

On EduRoam connection, please note:

1. Username and password are case sensitive.  
2. On Android, choose PEAP as the EAP method and select Don’t validate for the CA certificate.  

Microsoft Safety Scanner

Microsoft Safety Scanner is a scan tool designed to find and remove Malware from Windows computers. Simply download it from the link below and run a scan to find malware 

Download Microsoft safety scanner