Protect your devices

Add a lock to your devices

Secure your devices with a PIN, password, biometric (fingerprint or facial recognition) or pattern. Doing this will help to defend a lost or stolen device against cybercrime. 

Update the applications and software you use

You should apply updates to your apps and your device's software as soon as they are available. Updates include protection from viruses and other kinds of malware, and will often include improvements and new features.

If you receive a prompt to update your device (or apps), don’t ignore it. Applying these updates is one of the most important (and quickest) things you can do to keep yourself safe online.

You should also turn on 'automatic updates' in your device's settings, if available. This will mean you do not have to remember to apply updates.

University PCs, laptops and phones will prompt you to update them regularly. Laptops and PCs will update when you turn them on and off again regularly. Get to know your Windows updates!

You can help protect your devices from many common attacks. Here are some key things to remember:

  • Stay up to date: keep your software and apps up to date with the latest security patches, and never ignore an update
  • Be careful what you download: only download apps from official app stores and avoid using unknown or third-party application
  • Stay with your device: Never leave your devices unattended and secure them with a screen lock
  • Look around you: Be aware of people around you, particularly when you're using a device on the move.