Passwords
Use a different password for every account. If one gets stolen, the others stay safe.
A good password is long rather than complex. Four random words are better than one word with symbols tacked on. For example: purple bicycle elephant window beats P@ssw0rd!123.
Do not share passwords. No legitimate SCU department will ever ask for yours. If someone does, it is a scam.
A password manager remembers your passwords so you do not have to. Bitwarden is free. Most phones and browsers have one built in.
Phishing
Phishing is when someone tricks you into giving away your password or personal details. It most often arrives as email.
Look for these signs:
- Urgent language: "Your account will be deleted in 24 hours"
- Unexpected attachments or links
- Sender address that looks almost right: scu-support@gmail.com instead of @scu.edu.au
- Generic greetings: "Dear student" instead of your name
- Requests for your password, even if they look official
Device updates
Keep your devices up to date. Operating system updates and browser updates patch security holes. Turn on automatic updates when you can.
Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi in cafes and airports is not secure. Anyone on the same network can see what you send if the site is not encrypted.
Use SCU's VPN when working off campus. If you must use public Wi-Fi, stick to sites that start with https:// and avoid logging into anything sensitive.
Back up your work
Save important files to OneDrive. If your laptop dies or gets stolen, your work survives. OneDrive is included with your SCU account.
Report it
If you think your account has been compromised, report it immediately.
Technology Services Service Desk servicedesk@scu.edu.au