Security Checklist

You should always make sure that your computer is configured to be as secure as possible while connected to the University network. Keeping your computer secure will help protect your computer from unauthorized access, as well as helping to protect your computer from becoming infected with a virus or worm and attacking other computers on the network.

The following guidelines will help ensure the security of your computer as well as helping to keep the network safe for everyone.

Be sure to...

  • Appy security update patches and updates regularly. Windows users can use Microsoft's Windows Update service. Mac (Apple) OS X users should install security updates when prompted by "software update" or by visiting http://www.apple.com/support/. Faculty and staff who are using the Supported Platform receive updates automatically. Students should apply updates to thier computers regularly.
  • Install and use antivirus software. The University provides use of Symantec Antivirus at no charge for all current students, faculty, and staff. Faculty and staff who are using the Supported Platform automatically have Symantec Antivirus.
  • Set your computer to automatically receive operating system updates and antivirus definition updates at least once per week. Once per day is preferable. For help with setting your computer to automatically receive updates and configuring Symantec Antivirus to automatically update definitions, contact the Help Desk. Faculty and staff who are using the Supported Platform receive updates automatically.
  • Always use strong passwords, and keep them secret. More information on creating strong passwords.
  • Use firewall software on your computer. Many newer computers ship with Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2, which includes a firewall. Information on configuruing the Windows XP Firewall can be found at Microsoft's support site. Mac OS X also has a built-in firewall. If your computer does not have an operating system with a built-in firewall, there are free ones available on the Internet such as ZoneAlarm and SyGate Personal Firewall. Be aware that firewall software can sometimes be difficult or confusing to configure properly, the Help Desk can assist you with setting up a firewall on your computer.

Things to be careful of...

  • Never comply with requests for personal information from an email or phone call unless you initiated the contact. These are often phishing scams trying to steal your personal information. The University will NEVER ask for your password via email, nor will it ever ask you to visit a website to confirm your account!
  • Never store sensitive personal information such as your bank account information, credit card numbers, logins and passwords, or Social Security numbers on your computer. If an intruder gains access to your computer, any personal information you have stored will be succeptible to theft!
  • Never open email attachments from uknown persons, or attachments that you aren't 100% sure about what they are. Especially avoid attachments that end in .exe, .pif, .vbs, .scr, .com, or .bat even if they appear to come from somoene you know. Many viruses and worms spoof, or forge, the sender's name to appear to be someone you know.
  • Never click "Yes" to install software from a website unless you are 100% you know what the software does, and you have read the fine print. Many spyware and adware programs are hidden in these automatic installers and can infect your system without your knowledge. Only trust software installers from reputable, well-known sites.