Devices

To gain access to the TU Delft network with your own laptop or other devices an up-to-date virus scans in combination with a firewall are required. Antivirus software detects malicious software and limits their impact on your computer. A firewall protects you against any uninvited visitor. The firewall ensures that you are safely connected to the internet.

TU Delft advises Windows users to use Microsoft's standard firewall and virus scanner. An additional firewall or virus scanner is not necessary.

You need to update the software regularly to prevent new and future cyber threats. We advise you to set your firewall and virus scanner to automatic updates.

If you want a different solution than that is offered by Microsoft, you can purchase various affordable antivirus packages on Surfspot.

Use the software or tooling offered by TU Delft as much as possible. You can find more information via software.tudelft.nl, or via Brightspace. This software comes from legitimate sources, and is safe to use. The settings of some of these tools have been adjusted by TU Delft to ensure safe use.

New cyber threats and vulnerabilities are discovered every day. To prevent your devices from being affected by these new threats, software manufacturers therefore regularly release security updates. In order to receive these updates, it is essential that you have the most recent operating system in place. Most of the manufacturers rarely release updates for outdated operating systems. Make sure to set your computer's operating system to install updates automatically. Turn your computer or your laptop off at the end of the day so that new updates can be installed.

In addition to updating your operating system, it is also important to update applications that you use regularly, such as your web browser and Adobe PDF reader. Same as the above, make sure to set the update for these applications automatically.

For users of a TU Delft laptop or desktop, updates to the operating system are set by default.

All distributed TU Delft laptops are encrypted by default. This way the data in the laptop, including proprietary data, is given extra protection. If you are using a laptop that is not encrypted, we strongly advise you to encrypt it. Encryption ensures that unauthorized persons who gain access to your laptop cannot read the files, and that these data is inaccessible to them. Thanks to encryption, in the case of malware or ransomware, you and your data will be less vulnerable.

Check this page on how to encrypt. 

Be aware that the TU Delft campus, including the buildings, is accessible to everyone, including anyone with malicious intent. Make sure to never leave your devices unattended.

If this cannot be avoided, make sure at least that your laptop is locked (login screen) with password protection. You may also use a special lock that allows you to physically secure your laptop to a workstation. This also applies to situations in which you use your devices in public space: For example, when you are on the train, or in a coffee bar.