Cyber Security/Safety
Some tips and advice on how to get by safety and effectively online!
Basics of the Group Chat
WhatsApp & Other Group Chats
Student WhatsApp groups = useful, not official.
They’re not secure, and info isn’t always reliable. Keep them for updates, coordination, and supporting each other academically and socially.
At the same time: group chats have real impact.
Things that feel small in the moment can become serious quickly:
screenshots being shared outside the chat
people being singled out or mocked
“banter” turning into harassment
private details getting posted casually
explicit content/image abuse
dodgy links
The point isn’t to remove the craic. It’s to stop the stuff that makes people dread opening their phone. Group chats should support your class , not turn into a problem on top of everything else.
If You’re an Admin
1) Set the standards
Pin a short rules message (conduct + privacy + link safety)
Make the purpose of the group clear
2) Control access
Avoid public invite links
Add people intentionally (or use time-limited invites)
Remove accounts that clearly shouldn’t be there
3) Act on harmful content
Delete harassment, discrimination, threats, sexualised content, doxxing, impersonation
Stop “pile-ons” (multiple people targeting one person)
Warn once if appropriate, remove repeat offenders
4) Protect privacy
Discourage screenshots being shared outside the chat
Don’t allow sharing someone’s personal info without consent
5) Manage cyber-safety risks
Remove suspicious links/files quickly
Warn members about phishing/scams
Never allow requests for passwords, verification codes, or MFA approvals
6) Escalate when needed
Encourage people to save evidence (screenshots) if serious
Direct members to the right supports/reporting routes
Know when something is beyond the chat and needs formal reporting
Eduroam
The first thing to know about eduroam is how to connect! Follow the link to UCD IT services, they have given a great rundown for those who need it!
Eduroam stands for education roaming. Eduroam is a Wi-Fi service which enables students, researchers and staff from participating institutions to securely access the internet at their college/university and whilst visiting other participating institutions!
Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) is essential for protecting against over 99.2% of account compromise attacks, such as phishing and credential theft, by requiring a second form of verification. It secures sensitive data, supports remote work, and adds an extra layer of security!
It requires two or more independent forms of identification before granting access to an account. This process ensures that even if a password is stolen, the account remains protected by an additional "factor" that is much harder for an attacker to obtain.
