Follow everyday cyber hygiene

Use secure Wi-Fi View

What to do

If you can’t use your own data, connect to a secure Wi-Fi – Monash University’s is best.

How to do it

When you’re on campus, connect to the Monash wireless network, eduroam.

If you’re connecting remotely then be cautious of which Wi-Fi network you use. If you’re in a public place then avoid using any free Wi-Fi as this is not secured. Even if it requires you to use a password, it may not be a legitimate connection.

Why it matters

Using public or unsecured Wi-Fi is risky because the connection is not encrypted. This means anything you do could be monitored by a third party. Any information you enter, including passwords or payment details, could be easily viewed and stolen.

Learn more

Use the Monash VPN View

Block pop-ups View

Enable Antivirus View

What to do

Enable antivirus protection on all of your devices – PC, laptop, phone, tablet – including personal ones.

How to do it

All Monash-issued devices have antivirus protection already installed.

Your personal devices also come with built-in antivirus software:

Windows includes Microsoft Defender – make sure to double check your security settings to make sure this is enabled, and that auto-updates are enabled.
Apple devices come with antivirus software built-in to the OS with no further action required other than enabling auto-updates.

Why it matters

Antivirus protection helps protect users from inadvertently downloading malware or viruses, which could access your computer and Monash University systems. Antivirus protection protects you and Monash from the consequences of a malware infection.

Your computer can be infected by malware in a number of ways, including:
- clicking on false website links
- visiting websites that have been infected by malware
- downloading infected apps and files from the internet
- opening infected email attachments
All devices can be vulnerable to viruses
Did you know computers aren’t the only devices that can get viruses? Mobile phones are also vulnerable to malicious software. Downloading apps from unverified websites can lead to viruses. To keep mobiles safe only download apps from the official app stores.
Learn about the risks of third party app stores and how you can safeguard your devices from viruses in this article.
Signs of a computer virus
A computer virus attack can produce a variety of symptoms such as:
- Frequent pop-up windows
- Changes to your homepage
- Mass emails being sent from your account
- Unknown programs that launch when you turn on your computer.
Learn more about virus warning signs in this Norton article.
Read more on cyber.gov.au:

Update the software on your devices View

What to do

Enable automatic updates for your software. Monash University already enables automatic updates on our devices. When asked by your Monash device to accept an update please do this as quickly as possible.

How to do it

Do a google search for “how to enable automatic updates for” - then insert the name of the software you are using. Click on the result from the software provider and follow their instructions.

Why it matters

Regular updates are critical in maintaining a secure system. Software updates often fix issues in older versions. This stops hackers from using those vulnerabilities to try and gain access to your devices or data.

Turning on automatic updates means there’s one less thing for you to keep track of, and you can be sure you’re using the most up to date version of your software.

Learn more

Only use Monash University approved software View

Ensure new software is Monash approved View

What to do

If you wish to use new software or hardware at Monash University, you must apply for an Information Security Risk Assessment (ISRA).

How to do it

Complete an ISRA through Monash’s OneTrust portal. For more information and guides to this process, visit the ISRA/PIA assessment intranet page (staff login required).

Why it matters

By ensuring that third-party vendors meet stringent security standards, Monash University can manage the risks associated with external suppliers who have access to our sensitive information or IT infrastructure.

In line with the evolving technology risk landscape, the Cyber Risk and Resilience Team has updated the cyber security assessment (ISRA) workflow in our Monash University OneTrust Portal.
1. Enhanced logic-based workflow, keeping assessment questions and pathways more relevant to your activity/scenario
2. New Assessment types for Hardware deployments and Mobile Application development scenarios
3. Finishing the assessment earlier when minimum cyber security requirements are not met, or no further action is required
4. Revised questions, content and order across all assessments for better flow.
5. Identifying low cyber risk scenarios and applying a lighter touch ISRA process.
6. The ability to handle software licence renewals that require a new ISRA ID.
The process to submit an ISRA/PIA assessment request has not changed, for more information on where and how to submit your assessment request refer to our guide on the intranet.

Follow the Monash Travel IT Guides View

Contact the Cyber Team

Email the cyber team at cyberteam@monash.edu

Contact the Service Desk

Contact the Monash University Service Desk.

Cyber Security at Monash University

Cyber Security at Monash University

Follow everyday cyber hygiene

Use secure Wi-Fi View

What to do

How to do it

Why it matters

eSolutions articles

Use the Monash VPN View

What to do

How to do it

Why it matters

Block pop-ups View

What to do

How to do it

Why it matters

Enable Antivirus View

What to do

How to do it

Why it matters

All devices can be vulnerable to viruses

Signs of a computer virus

Update the software on your devices View

What to do

How to do it

Why it matters

Only use Monash University approved software View

What to do

How to do it

Why it matters

Ensure new software is Monash approved View

What to do

How to do it

Why it matters

Follow the Monash Travel IT Guides View

What to do

How to do it

Why it matters

Contact the Cyber Team

Contact the Service Desk