Internet Services Fact Sheet 6

Important advice on security

Security is important to all of us. Just as we have to control who can walk into our office or home we have to control access to our computer systems at SDNP. We have to ensure that only you have access to your mail and that other unauthorised persons cannot read it. If you have web pages you do not want others changing them.

Passwords

Your password is the key to your security. You need to:

• Ensure that your password is a good one, not easily guessed. Do not use your middle name, phone number, name of family member etc. Our system will probably automatically reject such a simple password anyway.
• Make sure that NOBODY knows the password who should not know it.
• Make sure that those who know it do NOT share it with others.
• Request a change of password from time to time. Especially if you think someone else knows it who should not.

 Remember that anyone who has your password can

• Get your mail and prevent you from seeing it
• Send mail in your name
• Increase the number of hours logged to your account.
• Access your web page (if it is an FTP account).

 Most of our clients log in using a post dial terminal window (the black window) but if you use a script instead then your password may be stored on the system and accessible to others who know how to use it.

If we think it is necessary for security reasons we may assign you a new password. 

Encryption

Mail can be encrypted (put into coded form) to be fully secure but this does complicate the sending and receiving of mail. Additional expense may be involved. See our web page (IT page | Email security) for more information.