Be a Smart Internet User

Take care of your office PC and home PC

  • Use a strong password for your PC Windows log-on, e.g. over 8 characters long mixed with alphabets, numbers and special characters.
  • Change your passwords regularly.
  • Perform backup regularly.
  • Enable screen saver with password on your computers. Never leave your computers unattended when it is logged on.
  • Set Windows Update to "Automatic". [ Show me]
  • Turn on Windows Firewall. [ Show me]
  • Install anti-virus and anti-spyware software and turn on automatic update.
  • Be cautious when using external USB drives or memory cards from unknown sources. .
  • Turn on System Restore and create manual restore points regularly. 

Notes on using Wireless Router at home

  • Change the default administration password.
  • Change the default SSID/ESSID name.
  • Use wired connection whenever possible.
  • Configure your router to allow only your home PCs to connect to it (by adding hardware addresses of your PCs' wireless LAN card to the exceptional/allowed list).
  • Configure the router to use WPA2 encryption with a strong password.
  • Do not send sensitive information (such as buying online, using e-banking, and etc) with wireless connection if WPA2 encryption is not enabled.

Use E-mail with care

Use Web with care

  • Use unique user ID and password for e-banking and secure services alike, i.e. never use e-banking user ID and password for any webmail and news group account, or vice versa. 
  • Verify a web site by its digital certificate.
  • Be cautious when you are asked for sensitive information. Avoid “remember my password” option and verify the authenticity of websites when in doubt.
  • Enter sensitive information only on secure pages (https).
  • Cloud services, e.g., iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, etc., provide a convenient way to share and store files, only upload business-related data to the cloud service authorised and provided by the University, i.e. the Microsoft OneDrive. When using cloud services for sensitive information, often review and apply the security settings.
  • Do not download and/or run applications from unknown source. Only download mobile apps from official sources.
  • Avoid untrustworthy (often free) downloads from freeware or shareware sites.
  • Do not respond to advertisements on websites. Be aware of fraudulent advertisements for popular brands or any unsolicited links which can be phishing sites.  
  • Turn on Pop-up Blocker and set security to Medium High in the browser settings.
  • Ensure your browser has got the latest security patch.
  • Look out for phishing web sites.
  • Don't provide sensitive information to unfamiliar social sites. Don't share and protect your personal information supplied in a social site.
  • Regularly assess and apply security and privacy settings in your social networking sites.

Notes on using Public PCs e.g. in cafe, airport and station

  • Always reboot/restart public computers before and after use.
  • Avoid sending sensitive information while using public computers or Wi-Fi, such as providing a credit card number to buy online, using e-banking, etc.
  • Only connect to trusted Wi-Fi networks (e.g. campus Wi-Fi, GovWi-Fi, eduroam, reputable organisations) as hackers may fool you to connect to fake Wi-Fi then capture your data.
  • Remember to log off properly if you have login webmail, portal etc.
  • Clear all browsing history (including temporary files, cookies, and web form information) before you leave. 
IT.ServiceDesk@cityu.edu.hk