Student IT Support

Cyber security top tips

Cyber security has never been more important and cyber threats continue to evolve. Here are our top tips for keeping secure in today's digital world:

• Use up to date antivirus on your personal devices. LSBU provides free Sophos antivirus software, which you can download below.
• Download all software and operating system updates as soon as they are available, so that the latest security fixes can be applied.
• Keep your password secure and update it regularly. Never tell anyone your password!
• Ensure all your devices have passcodes. Be aware that syncing between devices means there are multiple ways your data can be accessed.
• Avoid sharing confidential information on storage devices that you could lose, such as USBs. If you must use a portable storage device, ensure it is encrypted.
• Locking your PC when walking away from it. It only takes a second for others to access your accounts!
• When on campus, use our secure Wi-Fi network eduroam. If you use public Wi-Fi networks, follow this guidance on using it securely.
• Shut down your PC when you have finished with it each evening. This enables security and operating system updates to be downloaded and installed.

Common cyber security issues

The National Cyber Security Centre provides advice for dealing with common cyber problems:

• I have been hacked. How do I recover my account?
• Should I pay a ransom to unlock my computer?
• My username and password have been stolen
• I might have malware on my device
• I've received a suspicious email, call or text
• I am worried that my banking details have been stolen

 National Cyber Security Centre

Have a look at these infographics, provided by the National Archives under the Open Government Licence for public sector information

You'll find more advice on the Cyber Aware website, which is the government’s website for how to stay secure online.

 Cyber Aware  

Sophos Home Anti-Virus

Sophos Home is the security solution to defend all of your devices. From ransomware protection to AI malware detection with deep learning, protect all your devices - PCs, Macs, IOS and Android devices. 

Follow the instructions below to get a free copy of the Sophos Anti-Virus product, on up to 10 devices, courtesy of LSBU Cyber Security.

Get Sophos Home

1. Do not try to sign in, scroll down the page to see the above box. Type in your LSBU email address to verify eligibility - ensure you type this correctly!
2. A unique code and download link will be sent to your LSBU email account.
3. Follow the steps to create your new account, register for and download Sophos security on your own devices.
4. Use your personal email address for account creation and registration.

  Get Sophos Home

Once downloaded, this software is maintained and supported by Sophos. 

Sophos FAQs for any questions about installation or configuration.

Password reset 

It is good practice to change your passwords regularly, but we all know that in the real world this doesn't always happen.

There are times however, when you must change your password:

- any suspicious activity on your account

- if you have given your password to someone for whatever reason

- suddenly cannot login with your usual password

- password expiry message - make sure this has come from LSBU

Need a secure password?

Advice on what makes a good password - #thinkrandom

Need help with password reset?

If you are struggling to reset your password please see our guidance here: 

Password Reset

If in doubt...

New cyber scams are invented every day. If something doesn’t look quite right or you are just not sure, contact the student IT support team for advice.

 Online:  MyAccount 

 Live Chat: bottom right hand corner of this page

 Phone: 0207 815 6607. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

Email phishing attacks

Had an email that you are not sure about? See our guidance on what to do below:

Data breaches

Has your information ever been made public in a data breach? You can check by using the
www.haveibeenpwned.com
service and get alerts if it happens in the future.