Online security

Tips to help you keep your passwords and pins secure.

• Make your password at least eight characters long and have a mix of:
  • capital letters
  • lowercase letters
  • numbers
  • symbols.
• Create a password or pin that's hard for others to guess.
• Never share your password or pin with anyone.

It's important that you keep your computer's operating system and the software that runs on it secure and up-to-date.

If you use a public computer, always:

• Select the 'I'm using a public or shared computer' option when logging into MyStudyLink.
• Log out of your account when you're finished.
• Select the 'Forget my details' button when logging out of MyStudyLink.
• Log out of anything else you're using like Facebook, email accounts or internet banking.
• Close the web browser.

For more information on how to keep yourself safe when using a public computer, go to

Keep yourself safe while using your mobile device and:

• Set up a password or pin and/or complex swipe on your device to restrict access to it in case it's lost or stolen.
• Remember to always log out of your account and any other web browsers such as email accounts, internet banking, etc.

There are lots of different online scams. It's good to be aware of what's out there and know what you can do to keep yourself safe from these.

One of the most common scams is called a phishing attack. This is where you could receive an email that looks like it has come from an organisation you trust (like a bank), asking you to reveal personal information online, such as passwords and credit card numbers.

Some important things to remember are:

• Don't open emails or click on links in emails from people you don't know.
• Don't be tricked into giving out login and password details, real companies don't ask for these.

There are many ways that people could access your information if you don't keep yourself safe online.

Examples of what could happen:

• Sam used a computer at the library to declare her wages using MyStudyLink. She left the library without logging out and the next person was able to access all her details in MyStudyLink.
• Lenny received an email from his bank recommending that he upgrade to their maximum security features and providing a link for him to sign up. Lenny clicked on the link and entered his username and password. Someone then used his details to log into his internet banking account and withdrew all his money.
• John lost his mobile phone and he hadn't set up a password or pin. Someone found his phone and was able to access his applications like Facebook and email and find out a lot of personal information about John.