Online Safety

Make sure you keep safe online, whether on social media or even emails, with these handy tips:

General Safety Tips:

Protect your personal information:
Never give your PIN or passwords over the phone - your bank or the police would never ask for these.
Use strong passwords and change them regularly. Don't use easily guessable passwords or the same password for multiple accounts.
Don’t leave personal details lying around and shred personal correspondence before disposing.
Install anti-virus and anti-spyware software on all devices and keep it updated.
Back up any important data as this will stop any loss of files if your device breaks, gets lost/stolen or is infected by malware.
Don’t assume public Wi-Fi hotspots are secure – never use them to do anything confidential like using your email or making a payment. Where possible use your mobile network internet which will have built-in security.
Be cautious about what you share online: Avoid posting sensitive information like your address, phone number, or financial details. It’s up to you who sees your photos, updates, and profile information - be aware of your digital footprint and what information is available about you
Set your privacy settings appropriately: Review and adjust the privacy settings on social media and other online platforms
Be wary of phishing emails and scams: Don't click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown sources: takefive
Report any online bullying or harassment: If you are being cyberbullied, don't hesitate to report it to a trusted adult or the relevant authorities
Only shop from secure websites - these will show a locked padlock or unbroken key in your browser, and the URL will begin with https://.
Keep your devices and software up to date. Install the latest security updates. Regularly update your operating system, software and apps to patch security vulnerabilities
Use antivirus software. Install and regularly update antivirus software to protect your devices from malware
Be careful about public Wi-Fi. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities, as it can be vulnerable to hacking
Back up your data: Regularly back up your important files. This will help you recover from any data loss or cyberattacks
Stay informed about online safety. Keep up to date with the latest online safety tips and resources. Stay informed about emerging threats and best practices
Talk with a trusted adult or seek help if you are concerned about online safety. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you are unsure about something or if you are feeling unsafe online
Use official university communication channels: When interacting with your university, make sure to check that you are using official email addresses or contact information
If you are emailing a lecturer or department, make sure you use the official email addresses that they have provided.

Tickets and Fraud:

Scam emails - would they really ask for that information? To find out more about phishing and identity theft see The Mix
Also be cautious when buying tickets for events online. Make sure they are legitimate events from a trusted provider.

Helpful links:

If you need any further information or support, please contact: advice@su.plymouth.ac.uk

Last Updated: March 2025