Online Security - what we do
Ensuring your online applications are safe and secure
We use industry standard security technology and practices, focusing on three key areas - privacy, technology and identification to safeguard against loss, misuse and alteration of the information under our control. However, you too can play your part in protecting your account.
Technology
We use many layers of security - for obvious reasons we cannot disclose all of them, but the following are typically used:
- All our operating systems are immediately updated with the latest security patches
- Our anti-virus software is updated regularly
- Our systems and networks have firewalls to prevent unauthorised intruders
Identification
We require login usernames and passwords to make sure we're dealing with you. For this reason it is vital that you do not share your password and try not to use the same password for other services.
Our site uses cookies to keep track of your searches in any single visit. These cookies expire after you leave the site, and do not allow anyone to access your confidential information. If you are using a shared computer, please ensure that you log out of NHS Jobs and close down the browser before leaving the computer for the next user.
Online Security - what you can do
There are some simple things you can do to get the most protection for the least effort. By following these you will greatly increase your PC's protection, not just when you use our recruitment services but when you use the internet generally.
These are not all the measures you can take, but are an excellent start.
Use and regularly update your anti-virus software
You may already be using anti-virus software but to be effective the software should be updated regularly with the latest virus definition files. (If you are unsure how to do this, you should refer to the programs Help function.)
It is also possible to obtain free anti-virus protection. A search for "free anti-virus" on a search engine will provide a list of the most popular.
Keep passwords private, and don't use a common password for all your needs
Passwords are the key to your account information. It is hard to juggle a multitude of different passwords and it is tempting to have the same password for everything. Doing this puts security at risk should anyone discover this single password. For this reason, you are strongly advised to have a unique password for any services as sensitive as your applications which contain personal information.
When choosing a suitable password, you might consider the following:
- Try not to be tempted to use passwords that can be easily guessed, e.g. children's names, pet's names, birth dates, telephone numbers.
- Never write them down - If you need to record them use a code system, e.g. transpose some of the letters.
- Ensure you enter your password(s) without being seen.
Logging off
Remember to log off and close your browser when you have finished your online application.
Protect yourself - even when you're offline
Keep your details private and safe. Don't be tempted to share your User IDs, password or any unique personal identifier / details with someone else. Nor should you supply personal information to anyone over the phone or to a website unless the source has been verified, or you initiated the call yourself.
Other security tips
Avoid file sharing on your computers.
Disable your computer's 'File and Printer Sharing' capabilities to help prevent unauthorised access. (Use your computer's Help function for instructions.)
File extensions
Most operating systems use file extensions. (eg. a word document ends in .doc and a photo image might end in .jpg) By default some operating systems do not show these extensions. Whilst this presents cleaner looking file names, it also provides viruses with a means to hide. (Use your computer's Help function for further instructions.)
Be wary of opening any unexpected emails with attachments
A common way for a virus to spread is via email. Some viruses send copies of themselves to everyone in the infected PC's address book. This means it could appear to come from someone you know.Email attachments that contains a file ending .exe, .pif, .vbs are commonly used with viruses.
Internet file sharing
File sharing is a growing activity on the internet and in simple terms allows you to access other people's files and them to access yours. Typically these are music files, but with most of these sites it is possible to pass any type of file from one computer to another. By allowing your computer to be accessed in this way it is possible for viruses, trojan horses and other harmful software to infect your computer. We recommend that you avoid using file sharing services.