What are University file stores?
The University files stores (your "home" folder, the Office 365 "Onedrive" and Datastore services) are places for you to store files. They are designed to protect your files, and to ensure they are regularly and frequently backed up.
Why should we use University file stores?
It protects against accidental breakages, equipment failures and theft. The automatic backups, also protect you from accidental deletion of any of your files.
Much of the data we handle is subject to British and European laws for data protection.
More information about how data protection law applies to data stored with a third party is given here:
What is data protection?
Why shouldn't we rely on our computer's internal storage?
The problem with your computer's internal storage is that it might break, get stolen or lost. The risk is also much higher for a laptop.
Information security is not only about protecting your files from access by unauthorised people. It is also about ensuring that the information you need is available to you when you need it.
More information about University file stores
Datastore: Storage and backup solutions
Your email contains sensitive information.
For example: If you have any kind of "pastoral" mail concerning students, this data counts as "sensitive".
Protect your email and yourself, by using the University email service for University business.
Do not forward your University email to non-University email services.
You must protect your University passwords. Keep your keyboard shielded when you are typing them. Someone may be watching, or even filming what you type. Never reveal your passwords.
The links below are more information about how to choose and manage your passwords, as well as how to protect your online accounts.