Security check: Usernames and passwords
17 Apr 2020
Protect yourself and the University when using online services
It has come to light that some University staff have chosen to use their University username and password to register for online services such as Zoom video conferencing. It is impossible to ensure the security integrity of these services, which are not University owned or managed, so if they are compromised this could give criminals access to our University network as well as your other online accounts.
Check your online accounts
If you have used your university username or password to register for online services such as Zoom please login now and change them immediately. This will help keep your personal data, and University systems, safe and secure.
All staff and students should refrain from using their University username (also known as login ID) or University email address (where possible) to register for online services. And in any case you must ALWAYS set a different password (that is both strong and unique) for every online account that you have, whether it be for work or personal use.
Strong passwords are a non-obvious combination of at least 10 letters, numbers and symbols. Further guidance on setting a strong password is available on the IT services website:
Stay safe online
It’s been reported that globally there has been a 400% increase in email phishing scams using the Coronavirus as a ‘hook’ to get you interested and encourage you to click.
Remember, beware of email/phishing scams. DO NOT click on any messages or links from unknown or unexpected sources and take our 15 minute email phishing course. Report suspicious emails to phishing@manchester.ac.uk.
Do you know how to spot the signs? Read this extremely useful best practice guide on how to recognise phishing and social engineering attacks:
Further help and advice
A wealth of IT information, including around cybersecurity, can be found on the IT Services website.
Help and support with using Zoom is provided by Media Services. A comprehensive Zoom User Guide is available to download from the Media Services website, and you can contact the team by emailing mediaservices@manchester.ac.uk. Additional Zoom security guidance for scheduling meetings is also available and should be adhered to.