Privacy and Digital Security

Why does it matter to you?

Smartphones, computers and the internet are part of our everyday life. Almost every transaction and interaction you have with most organisations, including banking, shopping and streaming, involves you sharing your personal data such as your name, address and date of birth.

You share data online too, every time you visit a website, use social media, search for or buy something, or send an email. Although sharing your data helps make life easier, more convenient and helps you stay connected, it’s really important to keep your personal data safe.

Your data belongs to you and your identity is one of your most valuable assets. If your data is lost or stolen, you could lose money, find it difficult to get credit or become a victim of fraud. If someone hacks into your accounts, you could even lose all of your university work.

Do you know that your name, address and date of birth is enough information for an identity theft to create another ‘you’?

Privacy is about you controlling what data you share with others. Digital Security is the tools and techniques that you can use to keep your data safe and secure.

Here are some things that you can do to help keep your personal data safe online:

More information for individuals can be found on the National Cyber Security Centre. Useful articles include: Advice on how to stay secure online and Cyber Action Plan.