Follow these basic tips to protect yourself online:
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Regardless if you're using a smartphone, laptop, tablet or PC there are always important updates. Run Windows Update or your equivalent frequently.
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When using Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites keep your privacy settings high. Do you really need to put your address and full birthdate up for the world to see?
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Make sure you have virus protection - we offer everyone free Kaspersky Internet Security, see the next tab.
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Don't post your email address or number on websites and forums, use private messaging.
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Don't install software from untrusted sources.
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If you get pop-ups proclaiming you have computer problems close them immediately and avoid downloading anything from them.
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Regularly check your removable storage for viruses.
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Keep backup copies of your files in more than one location (such as your Y: drive)
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Never open e-mails containing attachments that you did not expect to receive.
Download* a free Mac| or Windows| suite of Kaspersky Internet Security for firewall, antivirus and antispyware protection.
Choose to activate later then go to the Kaspersky Home Activation page| and sign in with your College login to obtain an activation code. (Please note that you may need to type in cc before your username.) Mac users will need to contact the IT Service Desk.|
Licences are valid for one year and you will only be able to obtain a new activation code once it has actually expired.
Each member of staff and each student is automatically allocated two codes (and thus two copies of the software). Requests for extra copies should be made to the IT Service Desk|.
* If you have a recent version of the Kaspersky software and just wish to renew your licence you can skip straight to the Kaspersky Home Activation page|.
There are many browsers used to surf the internet. Keep yours up-to-date, or try out a new one, with the links below:
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Note: IE is the recommended browser for College web applications such as Outlook Live, Banner and Contensis - if you experience problems in other browsers please try IE.
You should also keep Java and Adobe Flash Player up-to-date with these links:
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What is phishing?
Phishing (pronounced 'fishing') is a way of obtaining personal information via fraudulent emails and, less commonly, phone contact.
How does it work?
An email is sent to a large number of people in the hope that some of them will be duped into supplying personal information, such as the password for your Royal Holloway CampusConnect login or bank details.
What do the emails look like / what do they ask for?
Phishing attacks will typically encourage victims to enter details on a fake website - which often seems to come from a legitimate organisation.
Look out for phishing emails that contain...
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casual or informal wording that is not in the normal style of an email from a legitimate company.
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familiar language or tone, but poor grammar and spelling.
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a request to verify your account - we will never ask you for your Royal Holloway password, nor will any bank or other legitimate organisation.
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links suggesting 'There is a secure message waiting for you' - these messages work by putting the emphasis on reading a message - not your actual account. However, the link in the email will still ask for your personal account details.
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warnings such as 'If you don't respond within 48 hours, your account will be closed' - such messages convey a sense of urgency that can make you respond immediately without thinking. Phishing emails might even claim that your response is required because your account may have been compromised.
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requests for you to 'Click the link below to gain access to your account' - sophisticated email messages can contain links or forms that you may fill out just as you would do on a legitimate website
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non-specific greetings such as 'Dear Valued Customer' - phishing emails are usually sent out in bulk and often do not contain your first name or surname.