Online Safety
The Internet is an integral part of our daily life, whether it be at home, work or school. It allows us to access and share information with family, friends and colleagues. Unfortunately, there are also criminals such as hackers, scammers, attackers or intruders seeking to take advantage of the weakness on your computer system for their own gain.
Online risks include viruses infecting your computer, stealing your data, login details, credit card information, making unauthorised purchases and using your computer to attack others. Although you can’t be 100% protected, there are steps you can take to minimise those risks. By learning some basic online safety, you help protect yourself and help secure the computing environment at the University, as well. Below are some guidelines on how to stay protected while browsing the web.
Your Internet browser can be vulnerable to spyware and attacks if not configured correctly. Please ensure you:
- Keep your browser up to date by either configuring its automatic updates when available, or doing a manual update regularly
- Enable pop-up block and anti-phishing sites setting
- Disable plug-ins or make sure they are up to date
- Configure security settings correctly
- Block third-party cookies
For more information on how to configure your browser securely, please follow one of the links below:
Adobe Flash, Adobe Reader and Java are the most common apps most targeted by attackers, we recommend that you use alternative software or keep them up to date.
Ensure that you always have the correct web address (url) of sites that ask you to enter personal details. For example, misspelled web address www.art.unw.edu.au instead of www.arts.unsw.edu.au can be setup to steal your data and login details.
When doing online banking or shopping, you should always check if the site is secure. Usually a locked padlock symbol in the address bar appears when a site is verified as safe, or to learn more, you should also see https://www.arts.unsw.edu.au.
It is recommended that you do not use public computers or public Wi-Fi Internet for online banking, shopping or other financial transactions. Contact your financial institution, police and SCAMwatch if you think you've been scammed.
IT Security
Need help?
If you have further questions, have a look at Self Help or the IT Service Centre website.
Alternatively, you can contact the IT Service Centre on 9385 1333.
CRICOS Provider Code: 00098G
ABN: 57 195 873 179
UNSW Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
Telephone (+61 02) 9385 1333
Authorised by IT & AV Manager, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, UNSW Australia
Page last updated: Friday 19 June 2015