Security - What You Need to Know

How to Keep Your Computer and Data Safe

Here are some basic rules for keeping your computer and data safe:
  1. Be absolutely sure you have antivirus installed and that the virus signature files are always up-to-date so that your machine is protected against the latest threats. VCU has a site license for Symantec Antivirus software that is available for VCU owned and personally owned computers for all current faculty, staff and students. You can download the Symantec Antivirus Managed Client from the VCU web site. This version will automatically download the virus signature files without any action on your part. It is strongly recommended that you use this managed antivirus program so that your computer has optimal protection against virus infections.
  2. Until a centrally administered operating system patch management infrastructure is in place at VCU, it is very important for you to configure your PC to perform automatic updates to Windows. The Automatic Update service will help to ensure that the most critical security patches are installed as they become available. You should check with your local technical support to determine if there is another method for receiving critical updates automatically being used in your area such as via Software Update Service that is available for computers connected to a Windows-based server.

    The Microsoft Automatic Update Service is included in Windows 2000 and XP systems and will automatically download and install security patches to your system. Automatic Update is not available for Windows 98 or NT. Windows 95 is no longer supported by Microsoft.

    You can get more information about configuring and deploying Microsoft Automatic Updates at:
    How to Configure and Use Automatic Updates in Windows 2000
    How to Configure and Use Automatic Updates for Windows XP
    How to Configure and Use Automatic Updates in Windows Millenium Edition

    Operating system patches and updates frequently require that your computer be restarted before they are fully installed. If a restart is needed, Automatic Update will give you the option to restart immediately or to wait until a more convenient time. If you choose to wait, please be sure to restart as soon as possible.

    Also be aware that in most cases it is best to shut down your computer when it won't be used for several hours such as at night unless some automatic process like a back-up or scheduled software update must run in your absence.
  3. Use strong, hard-to-guess passwords on all your accounts, and don't use the same password for multiple systems or applications. See Use Strong Passwords for further information.
  4. Install a personal firewall on your computer. A firewall will help stop intruders from the Internet from breaking into your computer. VCU has site licensed Symantec Client Security for all current faculty, staff and students to install on VCU owned and personally owned computers. This program, which will be available for download from the VCU downloads website during the summer of 2004, includes integrated managed antivirus, personal firewall and intrusion detection system. With this program installed on your computer, you will have an enhanced level of protection from intrusions and attacks aimed at your machine.
  5. Be suspicious about email and email attachments, and do not open an attachment that comes in an email message unless you have asked somebody to send it to you. The VCU email system blocks attachments that could contain viruses or other malicious threats, but you still need to be careful in your handling of email. Malicious worms have been known to use other methods besides email attachments to deliver payloads of infection and propagation. It is possible for an email message to contain a link that will redirect your web browser to a site where the worm's components are downloaded to your computer. Never click on a link that appears suspicious.
  6. Be sure you back up your important data. Get in the habit of always making back up copies of your term papers and other important data to ensure that you have these files if your computer fails. You can use CD-RWs (Compact Discs to which you can write or burn data using a CD-RW drive) or USB flash drives to make back up copies.

Use Strong Passwords

Using strong passwords is one of the most important actions you can take to protect your computer and data. Here are some recommendations to follow.

How to Avoid Viruses and Other Malware

The best way to avoid viruses and other malware is to be sure you have an antivirus program installed on your computer and always keep the virus signature files up-to-date so that your computer can fend off the latest attacks.

VCU has a site license for Symantec Antivirus software that is available for VCU owned and personally owned computers for all current faculty, staff and students. You can download the Symantec Antivirus Managed Client from the VCU web site. This version will automatically download the virus signature files without any action on your part. It is strongly recommended that you use this managed antivirus program so that your computer has optimal protection against virus infections.

How to Handle Dangerous Email

Be suspicious about email and email attachments, and do not open an attachment that comes in an email message unless you have asked somebody to send it to you. The VCU email system blocks attachments that could contain viruses or other malicious threats, but you still need to be careful in your handling of email. Malicious worms have been known to use other methods besides email attachments to deliver payloads of infection and propagation. It is possible for an email message to contain a link that will redirect your web browser to a site where the worm's components are downloaded to your computer. Never click on a link that appears suspicious.

 

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