You and the web - staying safe online

Going online is an everyday activity for most of us. However, we don't always realise that we are exposing ourselves to risks when we work online. These risks include attacks on your PC, invasions of privacy and identity fraud.

Also, always try to use a strong password to avoid your password being guessed. A free anti-virus software is provided for current students and can be accessed from this ResNet page.

With an awareness of the risks and how to overcome them, use of appropriate software tools and some common sense, you can enjoy the many benefits of working and socializing online with peace of mind.

Information Services provides the following advice and guidance for you to enable you to be aware of the risks and the steps you can take to work and socialize safely online.

Take the test - how safe are you?

Did you know?

Current UK Law applies to your use of the Internet. This includes, but isn't restricted to:

Defamation Act 1996 - so be careful what you say about other people: do not make remarks which could be considered defamatory.

Copyright Design and Patents Act 1988 - for example, it is illegal to run a peer-to-peer server for the purpose of sharing music, films/movies and television programmes without the copyright holder's consent. It is also illegal to share computer programmes outside the suppliers licence terms and conditions in this way.

If you're using The University of Northampton IT facilities to access these sites, your usage is governed by the full Rules and Regulations for the use of The University of Northampton Information Services facilities and Systems.

We are grateful to Cardiff University Information services for allowing us to replicate some of the content of their web pages offering advice on: