In light of recent security issues with systems used by the public sector in Scotland, we have decided to activate the Council’s security protocols and best cyber security practice in relation to passwords.
As a result of this:
- All networked users will be asked to reset their Windows password when they next log in
- Education staff will receive a second communication regarding their Oracle Fusion log-ins.
To ensure good practice continues to be followed, ICT will use this mass reset to introduce a new password policy.
This will require everyone’s Windows password to be a minimum of 15 characters, which must include three out of the following four characters:
- Capital letter
- Lower case letter
- Number
- Special character (for example ! or #)
Passwords will have six-monthly resets built in.
Good password practice was outlined in Employee News 9 but, as a reminder, passwords should be strong, a combination of letters, numbers and special characters, and shouldn’t include words that are easily guessed by others.
You should also never write down your passwords on Post-it Notes or in phone notes.
In the event your password is compromised, please contact the ICT Service Desk on 0141 578 8888 as soon as you’re aware. It’s important you speak to a member of the team rather than email so it can be dealt with immediately.
All employees have a responsibility to ensure that the Council remains protected from any cyber-attack and should be mindful of the following:
- All employees should be aware of the risk of cyber-attacks. We should all be particularly alert to the risk from spam and phishing emails.
- Be aware that although we have a spam filter on our email system, cyber-attackers are always seeking ways to bypass such spam filter software
- Do not click on any links that come from unknown users or look suspicious
- If you receive any email which you think is suspicious, please DO NOT OPEN IT but forward it to our spam email address: ukspam@fusemail.com
- If you open an email and then believe it is suspicious, you must contact ICT IMMEDIATELY on the ICT helpline 0141 578 8888.
If you have any other concerns about cyber security please get in touch with our ICT Security team – email it.serviceline@eastdunbarton.gov.uk
Thank you,
Jamie Robertson
Executive Officer, Finance & Digital Services
