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General Security Practices |
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Set Good Passwords
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Choose secure passwords that cannot be easily guessed. |
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Change your password immediately if you suspect someone else may have guessed it. |
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Keep your NEIU passwords different from any other personal passwords that you may use. |
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Keep Your Software Updated
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New versions of software are released on a regular basis to counter threats; without current software, your computer is almost sure to be infected or compromised. Security Patches and Updates |
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The two components most frequently attacked, and therefore most important to keep up to date, are your operating system and web browser. |
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Two good ways to stay current are to check for updates once a week, or allow your operating system to be updated automatically using Windows Update or Mac OS's Software Update. |
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Run AntiVirus Software
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NEIU has purchased a site license which allows us to install Symantec AntiVirus on all campus computers and manage the configuration and updates from a centralized server. |
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If Symantec AntiVirus has been installed properly from the KENNEDY server, then you will not need to worry about manually updating. It will be done automatically. If you would like, you can still update manually by opening the Symantec AntiVirus software and running LiveUpdate. |
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The management server allows UCS staff to receive immediate alerts when virus infections are detected. |
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Macintosh computers will require a different version of Norton AntiVirus which you can request from the HelpDesk (x4357) |
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Handle Email Attachments With Care
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Many viruses are transmitted through e-mail, often as attachments. |
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Never open an attachment unless you are sure who sent it and what it contains. |
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Always use your antivirus software to scan an attachment for viruses before opening it. |
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Limit Access To Your Machine
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Log off or Lock your computer if you are going to be away from your computer. |
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To lock your computer in Windows 2000 or Windows XP, press Ctrl-Alt-Del, then click on Lock Workstation. |
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Lock the door if nobody is in the office. |
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Be Cautious in Using Peer-To-Peer File Sharing Software (KaZaA, for example)
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If you have used one of these programs even once, your computer is probably set up to distribute files, which can slow down your computer and network, and get you in trouble for copyright violation. |
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Learn enough about the program you are using to select which files are shared and limit the number of downloads from your computer. Better still, turn sharing off (closing the application window usually won't do it). |
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Turn Your Computer Off When Not In Use
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Your computer cannot be infected or invaded when it is not connected to the network. |
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Consider shutting down when done for the day, unless you have an automated backup, upgrade or scan scheduled to run overnight. |
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This is particularly important when you will be away from your system longer than a few days. |
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If you haven't turned on your computer in a few days, be sure to check for updates for software and antivirus files before you do anything else. |
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