Protect Your Personal Devices

Our UD-managed computers have security protections built in, like encryption software, high-quality virus protection, and reduced administrative privileges to limit the possibility of accidentally downloading malicious software.

But your personal tech - computers, tablets and phones - need protection, too. See below for some tips and best practices.

Also, if you ever access UD systems or data from a personal device, you need to comply with these UD computing and data policies:

• Fair Responsible and Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources
• Electronic Use of Confidential Data
• Confidentiality Agreement Requirement for Access to UD’s Central Systems
   

Tips for Securing Personal Devices

If you have a personal computer, phone or tablet, make sure you’re following the best practices below to keep your tech and data secure.
 

Keep your software healthy

• Install updates promptly (software, apps, and OS) when notified by your computer or smartphone. Even better - enable automatic updates.
   
• Install antivirus software. One good (and free) option is Avast, which has versions for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android devices.
   
• Only download software from trusted sources.
   

Keep your tech physically secure

• Password protect your devices.
   
• Enable security settings to automatically lock after a period of inactivity.
   
• Make sure your phone is encrypted. iPhones are auto-encrypted; on Androids, go to "settings" → "storage" → "phone storage encryption".
   
• Enable loss / theft protection.
   
  • Apple/iOS: What to do if your Apple device is lost or stolen.
     
  • Google/Android: Managing lost devices with Android Device Manager.
     
• Know what to do if your device is lost or stolen - start by contacting your carrier and the IT Service Center (see this article from wired.com for more tips).
   

Keep your (and UD’s) data defended

• If you use protected data as part of your work at UD, make sure it’s being accessed, stored, and/or transmitted appropriately, even - especially - if you’re using a personal device. Not sure? Check with your supervisor or the IT Service Center.
   
• Delete files you don’t need anymore, especially if they contain personal information. If you’re the victim of a data breach, the more you’ve saved, the more information about you that’s potentially exposed.
   

Additional Information

• How To Protect Your Phone From Hackers | Consumer Advice (FTC.gov)
   
• Everything You Should Do Before You Lose Your Phone | WIRED (wired.com)
   
• Android Help
   
• Using the built-in security and privacy protections of iPhone - Apple Support