Saving your work

Your home-drive is located on the University filestore and is backed up on a regular basis. This makes it possible for you to recover your work, from the previous ten days, if any of your files are accidentally damaged or lost.

Remember:

• Save all work to the University filestore.

Data disposal

If your work is commercially sensitive, or contains other peoples personal information, it will need to be disposed of securely.

Remember:

• It is possible to recover electronic information stored on a computing device unless you use secure deletion software. We can advise on suitable secure deletion options.
• To dispose of confidential paper records, either shred them or deposit them in a confidential waste bin.

Office security

Take steps to prevent the loss and theft of data and devices in your work area.

Remember:

• Do not let unauthorised people follow you through a locked door if they do not have a Newcastle University Smartcard or visitors pass.
• Minimise the amount of confidential printed information you keep on your desk.
• Immediately collect all confidential print jobs and faxes. Do not leave confidential information on a photocopier or fax machine unattended.
• Keep all mobile computing devices, mobile storage devices, and other valuable items in a secure cabinet or drawer if they are not in use.
• Store your confidential printed information in a locked drawer or filing cabinet at the end of each day.
• Do not leave an unattended filing cabinet unlocked.
• Make sure all doors and windows are securely closed if you are the last person to leave your work area.

Mobile working

If you are working in a non-secure area (such as a coffee shop, public park or train), take steps to prevent the loss, theft and damage of your valuable items (including your mobile computing devices and portable storage devices).

Remember:

• Try to be discrete when carrying high value items.
• Do not leave high value items unattended in a public space or motor vehicle.
• Position your devices so that people cannot see what is displayed on your screen.
• Do not let people see you type your password.
• If possible, access your work remotely (e.g. via Office365), instead of saving your work to a portable computing or storage device.
• If you need to save your work to a portable computing or storage device, then make sure your work is encrypted.
• Before you encrypt your work, back it up to the University filestore. This will ensure your work can be recovered if it is damaged, lost or stolen.
• Before you leave, check that you have all your personal belongings.