Suggested IT Security Resources

Protecting your Device and Data

Keeping your devices safe

Do:

• Treat your laptop like cash. You wouldn't leave a large amount of cash unattended in a public place!
• Consider using a padded briefcase or a backpack instead of an obvious laptop case.
• Be on guard in airports and hotels.  Be extra vigilant when passing through security screenings and store your laptop in the hotel safe.
• Consider an alarm for your laptop.  Some alarms are motion sensitive or deploy when the computer is taken out of a specific range.
• Consider alarm applications which show the location of the device when it is connected to the internet.
• Personalise the physical appearance of your laptop to distinguish it from others of the same make\model.
• Record the laptop's serial numbers,  use a UV pen to mark it with your contact details and take pictorial record of your security markings as proof of ownership.
• Set up password access to the laptop.
• Configure your screen saver to require a password.
• Never allow your web browser to automatically supply a password for you. If you do, it means that anyone at your computer can access that site under your account.
• Backup data to network storage or storage devices regularly.
• Encrypt  confidential or sensitive data.

Don't:

• Leave your laptop unattended. Every time you leave your device consider what can’t be replaced if you lose it.  If you have to, lock it or leave it with a trusted friend or colleague.
• Put your laptop on the floor in a public area. You cannot see it and it could be easly be taken without your knowledge.
• Never leave laptops in unattended car. Avoid leaving laptops in the car boot;  you never know who is watching you!
• Keep passwords with your laptop or in its case.  Just like you wouldn't leave your pin number beside your ATM card!

TU Dublin Data 

You generate lots of information, but do you treat it all the same way? Of course not. Some types of information you want to share with the world, other information needs to be kept private.

Confidential or Secure Data

Data confidentiality is about protecting data against unintentional, unlawful, or unauthorized access, disclosure, or theft.

Consider the following when managing data confidentiality:

• To whom data can be disclosed
• Whether laws, regulations, or contracts require data to remain confidential
• Whether data may only be used or released under certain conditions
• Whether data is sensitive by nature and would have a negative impact if disclosed
• Whether data would be valuable to those who aren't permitted to have it (e.g., hackers)

Links not Files

When you send an email with an attached file, the file is out of your control. Share links instead of file attachments to keep control of file access after you hit send.

Sending Files Securely 

If you need to send a file securely TU Dublin recommend you use the FileSender Service from HEAnet which is free to all TU Dublin staff. 

FileSender offers end to end encryption – allowing users to send sensitive data – secure in the knowledge that no one, including HEAnet, can access the content without a password set by you. You can access the service here.