Security Center
Securing your computer has become the most important duty of a responsible PC user. With the explosion of viruses and worms and the speed at which they are spread, each individual must do their part to ensure the security of their system as well as the security of the campus network. Here are five steps to follow to protect your PC:
- Run Windows Update! This is the single most important thing you can do to keep your computer secure. Virus and worm writers and hackers often create their code or attempt to compromise your system using information from Microsoft security bulletins. A security bulletin comes with its matching security patch, meaning viruses and hackers are attempting to exploit holes that have already been fixed! Connect to Windows update regularly (once a month) and apply ALL critical updates. If you are unfamiliar with running Windows update information can be found in the documentation section of the Computer Support website. You can also set your computer to automatically download and install updates using the Automatic Updates feature.
- Install Anti-Virus Software and Keep It Up-To-Date! Viruses and worms attack your computer in a variety of ways. They can come across the Internet through security holes, downloading from malicious sites or programs, or via e-mail and instant messaging programs. E-mail is the most common method of virus transmission today and they can masquerade as mail from people you know, system administrators, or even Microsoft. Installing anti-virus software and keeping it updated will protect you from these threats. Concordia College makes McAfee VirusScan available free of charge to all students, faculty, and staff. All anti-virus software should automatically update from the manufacturers site but free updates are usually allowed for only one year. The most recent virus information and links to anti-virus updates are on the Computer Support website.
- Use a Firewall! A firewall is a barrier between your computer and the rest of the Internet. The purpose of a firewall is to prevent unwanted traffic (system attacks) from getting in or out. Windows XP has a built-in firewall but is disabled by default unless you have Service Pack 2 installed. Instructions for turning on the firewall are available on the Computer Support website. If you use a version of Windows other than XP (98, ME, NT. 2000), other firewalls are available for free download or purchase. Good free firewalls include Zone Labs’ Zone Alarm or Sunbelt Kerio Personal Firewall. Norton and McAfee also have firewall products for purchase. Be sure to read the documentation to ensure proper configuration.
- Set a Strong Password! All users on your computer should be password protected. If you have users without passwords, half of a hacker’s job is already done. Check out the instructions for setting your password. Passwords should contain letters, numbers, and one special character (!, ?, $, etc…) for proper security. Passwords should not be your name or names of family, birthdays, addresses, or phone numbers. With a password set you can lock your computer when you are away and protect your computer with a screen saver password.
- Use Adware/Spyware Removal Tools! Many websites now install software simply by viewing their site, sometimes without the users' permission, keeping track of your browsing habits and displaying pop-ups using this information. This is adware. Many times it keeps track of your browsing history and other personal information. This is spyware. Adware/spyware has become a major problem on almost all computers that browse the web. Fortunately there are free downloadable programs that remove this software. Computer Support recommends using at least two different programs, such as Lavasoft’s Ad-Aware, SpyBot Search & Destroy, or Microsoft AntiSpyware to remove these programs. All packages have update features that should be ran before you scan your system. You can also protect your computer by using SpywareBlaster or an alternative web browser such as Mozilla Firefox or Opera.