Stay cyber safe with simple habits to protect yourself online

Cyber security is not just some faraway IT issue. It is part of how we study, communicate, use social media, manage our accounts, and work with digital tools every day.

Here are a few simple habits that can help protect your accounts, personal information and the wider RMIT community.

Think before you click

Phishing emails and messages are designed to look convincing, and they can sometimes appear to come from people or organisations you trust.

Before clicking a link, opening an attachment or responding to an unexpected request:

check the sender carefully
look for unusual wording, urgent requests or unexpected attachments
be cautious if you are asked to enter your password or personal information
if something does not look right, verify the request through another trusted channel.

Protect your passwords and accounts

Strong account security makes it harder for someone else to access your information.

Use strong and unique passwords for important accounts, avoid sharing your login details with others, and follow RMIT prompts and security requirements when updating your account information.

Where available, multi-factor authentication also adds another layer of protection if your password is compromised.

Set up multi-factor authentication

Be mindful of what you share online

Information you post publicly can reveal more than you expect.

Details such as your location, university, timetable, workplace, travel plans or personal contact information can sometimes be pieced together and used in scams or targeted phishing attempts.

Review the privacy settings on your social media accounts and think carefully about what you make publicly available.

Keep your devices and software up to date

Software updates often include important security fixes.

Install updates for your operating system, browser, and apps when prompted, and avoid downloading software from unfamiliar or untrusted sources.

When using RMIT systems or devices, follow University requirements on approved applications and digital tools.

Use AI responsibly

AI tools can be useful for study, research, and everyday tasks, but it is important to use them carefully.

You can consider using Val, RMIT’s generative AI virtual learning assistant. Val is free for RMIT Vietnam students and is designed to keep the data you share private, secure and confidential within RMIT.

Check out Val – RMIT’s AI virtual assistant

Whatever AI tool you use, remember to:

avoid sharing sensitive, confidential, or personal information unless you are sure it is appropriate
check AI-generated information before relying on it
follow your course guidance and RMIT’s academic integrity requirements when using AI in your studies.

Using AI appropriately for your study

Pause when something feels unusual

Many scams depend on urgency. You may be told that your account is about to be closed, that you need to make an immediate payment, or that you must act quickly to avoid a problem.

Taking a moment to stop, check, and verify can make a big difference.

Cyber security is a shared responsibility. Small everyday choices can help protect your account, your information, and other members of the RMIT community.