Security Basics

All Fairfield University on-campus resident students MUST have Symantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition installed on their computer(s). Make sure that you set the antivirus software to download and install updates automatically, so you won't have to do it manually every time a new update comes out. Also, take the time to learn how to do a full virus scan and understand how to effectively remove any viruses from your personal computer. You can also set Symantec AntiVirus to automatically scan your machine during a time that is convenient to you.

Keep Your Operating System Up to Date

You should frequently check the Windows Update site (for Windows computers) and the Macintosh OS Update site (for Apple computers) to make sure that you have all of the necessary operating system updates and patches. Without these, your system will be vulnerable to viruses that travel on the campus network. Operating systems that are out of date serve as targets to hackers and viruses. All OS updates for Windows machines can be obtained here: www.windowsupdate.com. Mac OS X updates can be checked by opening System Preferences (from the Apple menu) and clicking on Software Update.

Beware of Instant Messenger Viruses

Some of the most convenient to use software is also some of the most prone to security flaws. Whichever Instant Messaging software you choose to use, DO NOT click on any unexpected links or open files that you are not expecting. If you receive a link from even someone you know, you should ALWAYS check with them first to make sure the link is legitimate. Clicking on a link or file that come through Instant Messenger is an easy and effective way to infect your computer. A helpful program called IM Secure is free and can help keep you protected from these Instant Messenger viruses.

Use Effective and Strong Passwords

Make sure that you protect your machine against unwanted intruders by password protecting it. When you log on to your machine, you should be prompted for a password; if not, you are leaving your system open to anyone who can lay their hands on it. Passwords should be between 8 to 12 characters long and contain both numbers and letters (alpha-numeric). And don't just write the password down on a sticky note and paste it to the monitor... that's a bit contradictory to what you are trying to do. You should also use different password for different things. Having the same password for everything just puts you in even more risk if someone steals it or discovers what it is.

Use A Firewall

Many intrusions from other users can be limited and/or stopped by using a firewall. A firewall limits what can be sent to your machine, and what can be sent from it (you can set these controls on your own). One of the better firewall solutions can be found here: ZoneLabs (called ZoneAlarm). There is a free version available for you to download and install. Please note that Computing and Network Services does not offer support for this product.

If you own a computer running Windows XP, and it is fully updated, then you can use the built-in Windows firewall to help protect your system.

Do Not Trust Unknown Attachments or Files

One of the easiest ways for you to receive a virus (or 'spyware') is by opening or installing files that are coming from suspicious web sites or e-mail addresses. If you receive an e-mail with an attachment that you are unsure of, you should not open it. The same goes for those little pop-up windows that you may get when you are surfing the web. You may inadvertantly install a virus or spyware. (Spyware is software that may randomly generate pop-up windows while you browse, or even track what sites you visit and send that information to unknown companies)

Spyware and Adware

You should, by now have a wonderfully powerful (and free) antivirus software package installed on your machine. While this will help you out significantly in the long run, there are other software packages out there that you should also consider. Ones that we use extensively here in Computing and Network Services are called Adaware and SpyBot. These two programs are free to use for personal use (although you get much more functionality if you buy the licensed version of Adaware) and can really help out in a pinch. Many problems that we see on computers from students are due to an amazing amount of spyware or adware installed on their machines. If you do not regularly check and remove these types of software, your computer could suffer a severe decrease in performance and even affect the hardware that your computer runs on. These software packages are available on the web. Simply do a search for either, and you can easily locate them.