Official guides / Student support & services

Cyber Hygiene (Monash Malaysia)

Official source

Monash University Malaysia

Last checked: 25 Oct 2026 UTC

What this page covers

What to do
How to do it
Why it matters
Learn More
What to do
How to do it
Why it matters
Learn more

Page text

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What to do

If you can’t use your own data, connect to a secure Wi-Fi – Monash University’s is best.

How to do it

When you’re on campus, connect to the Monash wireless network, eduroam.

If you’re connecting remotely then be cautious of which Wi-Fi network you use. If you’re in a public place then avoid using any free Wi-Fi as this is not secured. Even if it requires you to use a password, it may not be a legitimate connection.

Why it matters

Using public or unsecured Wi-Fi is risky because the connection is not encrypted. This means anything you do could be monitored by a third party. Any information you enter, including passwords or payment details, could be easily viewed and stolen.

Learn More

Public Wi-Fi is a bit like a digital highway that anyone can travel on, versus a private road just for you. It’s ok to use when you’re browsing but don’t use it to enter passwords or to share sensitive information.

What to do

Use Monash’s VPN when you use your computer to access Monash systems. This is especially important:

If you can only connect to public Wi-Fi
When you access Monash systems from overseas
For sensitive communications.

How to do it

Monash University Malaysia VPN, GlobalProtect is offered to Monash staff to access on-premises resources securely.

Refer GlobalProtect VPN Access guide

Why it matters

Monash's VPN is a virtual private network that establishes a secure connection between you and the internet. It’s more secure against external attacks and is required to access some Monash systems when you’re off-site.

Learn more

Using a VPN means all your data traffic is routed through an encrypted virtual tunnel. This disguises your IP address when you use the internet, making its location invisible to everyone. A VPN connection is more secure against external attacks.

Related questions

What is GPA at Monash?

All campuses

GPA is calculated on a 4.0 scale from your grades rather than your marks: High Distinction 4.0, Distinction 3.0, Credit 2.0, Pass 1.0, Near pass 0.7, Fail and Hurdle fail 0.3, Withdrawn fail 0.0. Some results, such as SFR and NE, are not counted. Your GPA is shown in WES and on your transcript. Malaysia also uses a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) with different values: High Distinction 4.0, Distinction 3.67, Credit 2.85, Pass 2.15, Near pass 1.7, Fail and Hurdle fail 1.15, Withdrawn fail 0.0. It is not on your academic record, so you request a CGPA letter.

How do I withdraw from a unit?

Australia: withdraw through WES while enrolment changes are open. Before the census date there is no fee and no record; after it, you keep the fee liability and the unit shows as a withdrawal. If you are on a student visa you have study load requirements to maintain: Monash's study load page says you can reduce your load only in compassionate or compelling circumstances, unless you are in your final year and will finish within the time on your CoE. Malaysia: after the census date a withdrawn unit shows as WD-LATE or WD-FAIL, and the date you withdraw can affect fee refunds and your academic record. The last day to withdraw without academic penalty is before the WD-LATE date ends; the dates are in Monash Malaysia's Principal Dates. With a Student Pass, going below 24 credit points a semester is an underload: it needs approval, it can never go below 18 credit points, and below 18 you have to apply for intermission.

How many hours can I work on a student visa?

The rules are each country's, not Monash's, and they are different. Australia: work rights for student visa holders are set by the Australian Government, and the cap has changed several times in recent years. Monash's page links to the current Department of Home Affairs conditions - always confirm the number there before relying on it. Malaysia: with a Student Pass you may work only during semester breaks or public holidays of more than seven days, and for no more than 20 hours a week, at restaurants, petrol kiosks, mini markets or hotels; the page lists jobs that are not allowed. Every job has to be approved by the Immigration Department: you apply through the International Student Pass office and must be there in person when the application is submitted.

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