Student Guide

Protecting Your Computer

Here are some tips to help you protect your computer's security and keep your data safe.

Back Up Your Work

You should back up your computer files so you have a copy of them someplace other than on your computer. This is important in case your computer ever has a serious problem, such as a virus infection, defective hard drive or corrupt operating system. Viruses and hard-drive failure can damage your files to an unrecoverable extent.

Install Symantec AntiVirus and Keep Virus Definitions Up-to-Date

Viruses are malicious programs that run on your computer. They can take control by being:

  • Destructive: compromising computer files; allowing outsiders to access your files; replicate itself through email (using your address book) or through the network; etc.
  • Non-destructive: consuming computer resources making your computer slow; annoying pop-ups or error messages; etc.

By installing Symantec AntiVirus and ensuring the virus definitions are kept up-to-date you will be less likely to fall victim to computer viruses.

Keep Your Operating System Up-to-Date

Having an up-to-date operating system reduces the likelihood of being exploited by malicious software. Windows Updates are released periodically when vulnerabilities/updates have been discovered.

Be sure to run Windows Updates weekly or turn on Automatic Updates (in Control Panel). Apple also releases software updates. Be sure to run these updates.

Set Passwords on Administrative and User Accounts

In today's computing environment, passwords are still the primary method of securing access to your personal and sensitive data.

  • Do not share your passwords
  • Use different passwords for different accounts. If your password gets compromised and many accounts use the same password, all of those accounts would be at risk.
  • Do not write down passwords and leave them lying around. If you must write down a new password for fear of forgetting it, keep it somewhere that stays with you. Try to memorize your new password and destroy the written copy as soon as you feel you can remember it.
  • Change your passwords often. Changing passwords every two to three months makes it more difficult for passwords to be cracked.
  • Use complex passwords. Using a password that is 8 characters or longer that combines upper and lower case letters along with numbers and special characters will decrease the likelyhood of your password being guessed.

Don't Use File Sharing Programs

File sharing allows for the easy transfer of viruses and spyware from computer to computer because it gives others sharing the server with you access to your computer. Also, spyware or viruses can be packaged into the files you download and may infect your computer.

Examples of file sharing programs are: Kazaa, iMesh, Grokster, Xolox, Morpheus, Bearshare, Limewire, etc.

Turn on a Firewall

Connecting to the Internet can expose your computer to the world. Firewalls are like building a moat around your castle. Intruders will have to first break through the firewall to try to exploit your vulnerabilities.

Windows has a built in firewall that is enabled by default and can be controlled from the Control Panel. Other Windows firewall products can be purchased (i.e. Norton Firewall, ZoneAlarm, etc). Mac OS and Linux systems are based on UNIX and are inherrently more secure, therefore not requiring an additional firewall.

Do Not Click on Links in Pop-Up Messages

Clicking on links in pop-up windows often allows third-parties to download malicious software onto your computer. Windows users and most Linux users can close pop-up messages by clicking on the "X" in the upper right hand corner, or by pressing ALT + F4 on your keyboard. Mac OS users can press Command + Q on their keyboard to close pop-up windows. Ignore pop-up warnings offering solutions to what they say are your computer problems.

Avoid Phishing Scams and Do Not Open Mail From Unknown Senders

Phishing attempts come in the form of e-mails that falsely claim to be an established legitimate organization or business, like a bank or store, in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private or financial information. If you suspect the e-mail to be legitimate, we recommend calling the company to verify (don't use the contact information from that e-mail!).

Run Removal Tools for Spyware

Applications such as spyware and malware are installed on your computer—typically without your knowledge—to gather and refer information about you to advertisers and other interested third parties. Without your knowledge, spyware and malware can be easily installed when you access certain Web sites or download certain programs.

These applications do a number of things besides gathering information about you. For example, they can do all of the following:

  • Make your computer slow/crash
  • Slow down your Internet speed
  • Monitor your computer activity
  • "Hijack" your computer to send out spam or viruses

We recommend downloading Lavasoft Adaware along with Spybot Search & Destroy. It is important to periodically run spyware scans since not all spyware can be prevented. Programs like Gator, WebShots, Bonzi Buddy, Hotbar, Comet Cursor, Offer Companion, and Weatherbug have been known to allow spyware through. However, you need to be careful with all freeware programs.