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8 Steps To Protect Your Computer

1. Computers must be managed:
   • Every computer at USU must have an individual assigned to maintain and update the system.
   • System administrators are responsible for keeping their computers updated, patched and protected from all known vulnerabilities.
   • N&CS recommends that system administrator's update their servers weekly and their clients monthly. If you are a system administrator and need assistance there are resources available on campus which can help
   • First, system administrators should subscribe to the Network Manager's mailing list and attend the monthly meetings. For more information on subscribing visit http://lists.usu.edu/mailman/listinfo/network-managers.
   • Second, you can contact the Service Desk for assistance.
   • Third, we have system administrators in Network & Computing Services who are willing to share their knowledge, especially if it makes their jobs easier.
   • Microsoft provides a central web site for updates http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com, Click on the Product Updates link, your system may already have a link to this site in the Start menu called Windows Update. You should regularly check with that site. All 'Critical Updates' are security related. For the best level of system security they should all be installed.
   • McAfee VirusScan should be set up to automatically update itself on a regular basis and to automatically scan for viruses. For assistance contact the Service Desk at 435-797-HELP (4357) or visit http://mcafee.usu.edu/
2. Backup your files:
   • It is critical to backup any important files. Files may be backed up to various types of media, such as: CD, Zip or Jazz disk, tape, a hard drive on another computer or on floppy diskettes. Floppies should be used as a temporary backup and should not be used as the media to perform regularly scheduled backups.
3. Don't enable file sharing:
   • To check if you have enabled file sharing go to the Control Panel and click on Network (Network Connections >> Local Area Connection (for Windows XP)), then click on the File and Print sharing button. Make sure no boxes are checked to provide access to others.
   • If you MUST enable file sharing, think about using a professionally configured server. If that is not possible and you need to share files on your own machine with others in your workgroup, do so securely. Don't share the entire C: drive. Create a single folder where you place files you want shared and share only that folder. Establish a good password for access, and don't share that password with anyone who doesn't need it.
4. Don't share files:
   • Even the best antivirus software cannot catch all viruses. Accepting files from others, as attachments, downloading them from web pages, trading floppies or accessing a file over a network from Network Neighborhood all present risks. If you do not know and trust the source of the file, you should not download or open it.
5. Limit access to your system by others:
   • Keep physical control of your machine. If someone can get physical access they can alter your files.
6. Use secure passwords:
   • Passwords should be memorable, but not something that would be easily guessed by someone who knows you, such as birthdates, child's name, pet's name, etc. A password should be a minimum of 6 characters long and should contain both letters and numbers. For best security, change passwords on a regular basis.
   • Passwords should not be written down. If you need to write down your password do not leave it near your computer and NEVER include the username and password on the same document.
   • Don't allow Windows to automatically remember your username and/or passwords.
7. Don't open unexpected email attachments:
   • Don't open email attachments that you are not expecting even if you have an anti-virus program running on you system. Attachments sent by friends, relatives, co-workers or colleagues may also contain viruses or worms. Once the attachment is opened (if it is infected)it may infect your computer and spread the virus or worm even further. Once again, if you are not expecting the attachment don't open it.
   • USU has purchased a site license of McAfee VirusScan. Any student, staff or faculty member who connects to USU's network through Ethernet or the USU modem pool may download and install a "free" copy of this software. Remember: anti-virus programs require you keep them updated with the latest definition files to provide protection.
8. Working towards better security:
   • Various programs, (i.e.: Mail programs, telnet programs, web browsers) can be configured to save username and password information. While doing that does not present a risk to your computer, it does mean anyone with access to that machine now has access to your other accounts. If a machine or hard drive is replaced, be sure to "wipe" the hard drive clean before giving or selling it to someone else.
   • At regular intervals computers should be replaced/rebuilt to catch any problem that might have been missed.