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A person at a laptop keyboard typing, you can only see their hands and the keyboard. A padlock logo is in the middle to show data protection. ;

Essentials tips for protecting your data during your studies

07 October 2022

From keeping up to date with software updates to making sure your passwords and devices are fully secure, below we share 8 essential tips that can help you to protect your data and devices during your studies. 

1. Keep your details private

Posting personal details such as your address, regular locations or photos of your student card can make you vulnerable to identity theft and other crimes.

Always avoid putting your personal safety or that of others at risk. Security settings on social media can change, so review your privacy settings regularly.

2. Lock it down

Make sure passwords are strong, and never share them with anyone else.

Don’t leave your computer unlocked with your social media or other sensitive accounts logged in. If you log into social media accounts on your phone, make sure you have a passcode set up and not to leave your device unlocked. 

Four students sit at a wooden table in the library, each student has a laptop in front of them.

3. Keep it up to date

Ensure all software and firmware on your device is kept up to date, important security features and data protection tools can be included in regular updates and help to keep your device protected. 

4. Keep it protected

Make sure any anti-virus software you have is up to date and active, King’s offers free anti-virus software for personal devices.

Trend Micro Security Software

King's students, researchers and staff can improve the level of security on their personal devices by downloading Trend Micro. Please note this is just for your personal device as King's IT will manage security protection for King's approved (SOE) devices.

Find out more and download here

5. Only click if safe

Don't click on unfamiliar web links or attachments in emails.

Lookout for any suspicious emails coming in from unknown senders and follow the National Cyber Security Center's guidance on spotting suspicious emails.

6. Did you mean to leave this here?

Avoid printing personal data if possible. If you must print, store safely until you can dispose securely (e.g. shredding or document disposal bins).

Get equipped with the Essential Digital Skills Programme

The Essential Digital Skills Programme aims to ensure that all King’s students learn the digital skills required to support their academic, professional, and personal development.

You can master data protection through: Chapter 1.1. Ensuring wellbeing in a digital environment- Keeping secure at King’s 

7. Keep personal storage devices safe

If using personal storage devices remember to keep these secure and do not leave them behind and use a password to keep your device secure.

8. Be cautious on public networks

Restrict the information and passwords you share over a public internet connection.

You should not send sensitive information over an internet connection that’s accessible by other people (e.g coffee shops and train station networks).

AN IT TEchbar table in a library with a blue and green banner behind it that says King's ITTechbar

IT TechBar and King’s Service Desk

Having IT issues? Our IT analysts are available 24/7, 365 days per year to help King's students and staff with their IT-related queries.

Call 0207 848 8888 or email: 88888@kcl.ac.uk.

Or you can come and see us for in-person, on-campus IT support between 10.00 - 16.00, Monday to Friday. Find the IT TechBars in the Maughan, New Hunt’s House and Franklin Wilkins Libraries.

See also