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Safe Computing

Computer security is everyone’s responsibility. Our goal is to make safe computing easier for everyone.

8 Steps to Secure Your Computer

• Required
• Safely Install Your Computer’s Operating System
• Keep Your Operating System Up To Date
• Install and Update Anti-Virus Software
• Use Strong Passwords
• Strongly Recommended
• Enable Firewall Protection
• Install and Use Spyware Removal Tools
• Back Up Important Files
• Enable Screen Saver Passwords

1. Safely Installing Windows on Campus

• Disconnect the computer from the network.
• Run the installation and skip the network setup.
• Install and configure a personal firewall.

2. Update your Operating System

• Recent versions of Windows and Macintosh computers have automatic software updates.
• Configure your computer to automatically download the latest patches and updates.
• Instructions to set up automatic updates are on the Safe Computing Website.

3. Install and Update Anti-virus Software

4. Set Strong Passwords

• How to Get Anti-virus software
• On Campus
• Faculty and staff can contact their local computer support.
• Home Use
• Purchase commercial anti-virus software.
• Free Windows version for home use by Avast. (WWW.avast.com)

5. Personal Firewall Protection

1. Set Your Computer Password - Do not leave it blank
2. Password Tips
3. Never share your password.
4. Never write your password down.
5. Change your password periodically.
6. Creating a Strong Password
7. Passwords should be 7 characters or longer. The longer the better.
8. Passwords should contain at least one alpha character (a-z).
9. Passwords should contain at least one non-alpha character.
10. Do not choose passwords that contain personal information, like pet’s or children’s names.
11. Do not choose a word that is in the dictionary. These are the easiest to crack.
12. Try using a pass phrase. For example, Hpatp0a = “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

6. Spyware and How to Avoid It.

• Enable Your Firewall Protection
• Windows XP Service Pack 2, Macintosh OS X (v. 10.2 and later), and Linux have built in firewall software.
• Instructions are available on the Safe Computing Web Site
• Commercial Firewall Software
• If you have an older Operating System or want a more robust firewall, consider purchasing a commercial version.

7. Back Up Important Files

• Spyware is often installed by you without your knowledge by piggybacking on other software or by tricking you into installing it.
• Some anti-virus software also has anti-spyware capability.

8. Set a Screen Saver Password

• Windows XP and Vista allow you to set a screen saver password. This will lock your screen when you are away, requiring you to enter your system password to access the computer.
• Macintosh OS X and Linux also have screen saver password capability.
• See the Safe Computing Website for instructions.

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