The Information Technology and Technology Service of the Open University of Cyprus takes all the necessary technical measures to ensure the security of the services provided.

However, security is not only a technical matter, therefore please pay attention to the following. 

Protect your computer

• Keep your Operating System and applications updated.
• Keep your antivirus programs updated.
• Take regular backup copies of your files on external media, which you disconnect when finished from the computer.
• Use operating System (eg Windows) passwords with increased complexity (at least 10 characters, letters, numbers, and symbols).
• Disable unused services (eg File Sharing).
• Shut down your computer when not in use. 

Be careful before typing your password

• Do not type your OUC password in other websites other than the ones offered by the Open University of Cyprus
• Your computer must have an updated Operating System and Antivirus software installed. Otherwise, there is a risk of malware intercepting your password and causing actions without your knowledge.

Do not follow unknown hyperlinks from e-mails or websites

• Be careful if hyperlinks proceed to the actual page. It’s preferable to type the website address that you want to visit.
• Add the websites you use frequently to the Bookmarks / Favorites of your browser.
• The address bar should start with the letters "https://" and not "http://".
• In the address bar, the security indicator in the program you are using should be enabled (display a lock in the address or other special image).

How to secure your password (Passwords)

• Do not reveal your account password to third parties.
• Do not type your password in e-mail messages or mention it over any telephone communication.
• Do not reuse the same password on other websites.
• Your OUC account is private and its use by third parties carries risks, as the online activities of your account are always associated with you, the official owner, as a natural person.
• Change your password periodically
• Do not use a service or website if you are in doubt as to whether it is legitimate to ask for your password.
• If you suspect that your OUC account password has been compromised, immediately visit https://myaccount.microsoft.com/ change your password, and contact us immediately.
• Always use an authentication method by activating MFA (Multifactor Authentication) on your account.

Protect yourself from phishing emails

• Always check e-mail with suspicion as the sender is easily falsifiable, just like regular mail.
• Do not respond to e-mails or visit suspicious websites that ask for your password.
• "Scammers"  usually use replicas of official websites and ask users to provide their account details. Usually, the fraud attempt is done via e-mail, the messages most often have many spelling mistakes and are written in English or, if in Greek, have many grammatical errors.
• No organization shall send an e-mail message requesting its users to respond to it by sharing their password.
• Check the text for spelling or grammatical errors. This should make you question the validity of the message.
• Use the SLAM method to detect suspicious emails:
  • Sender: Check the sender's e-mail address.
  • Links: Hover your mouse and check any links before clicking them.
  • Attachment: Do not open attachments from someone you do not know or attachments you did not expect to receive.
  • Message: Check the content of the message and watch for bad grammar or spelling mistakes.