DIT Password Policy

This section describes how to keep your account safe from security threats.

Use Hard to Guess Password

  • Passwords will only keep outsiders out if they are difficult to guess.
  • Do not share your password
  • Do not use the same password in more than one place. If someone should happen to guess one of your passwords, you really don't want them to be able to use it in every possible situation.
  • A password should have a minimum of 8 characters, be as meaningless as possible, and use letters, symbols and numbers, e.g., xk2&LP97.
  • Change passwords regularly, at least every 90 days.
  • Do not give out your password to anyone.
  • You will never be asked for your password by an advisor.
  • If you forget your password, we will reset it to a temporary password which will be emailed to you. On receipt of this email you should login to the system and change the password immediately

Use anti-virus software and keep it up to date

Make sure you have anti-virus software on your computer. Anti-virus software is designed to protect you and your computer against known viruses. New viruses emerge daily and anti-virus programs need regular updates to recognize these new viruses.

Be sure to update your anti-virus software regularly. The more often you keep it updated the better your security will be. Preferably update every day.

Protect your computer from Internet intruders - use "firewalls".

Equip your computer with a firewall. Firewalls create a protective wall between your computer and the outside world. Firewalls come in two forms; software firewalls that run on your personal computer and hardware firewalls that protect a number of computers at the same time.

Firewalls work by filtering out unauthorized or potentially dangerous types of data from the Internet while still allowing other (approved) data to reach your computer. Firewalls ensure that unauthorized persons can't gain access to your computer while you're connected to the Internet.

Lock your screen while away

Locking your screen prevents other people from accessing your computer while you are away from it. All of your applications and work remain open while the screen is locked, and the screensaver is displayed.