Safe Computing Practices
Here are some tips on keeping yourself, your computer, and your documents SAFE!
Do it
- Use STRONG passwords to protect your computer and SUeID account
- Set up your computer securely. This requires an active firewall, up-to-date Anti-virus and Anti-spyware tools and automatic updating for operating system patches.
- Know dangers of Internet File Sharing. Downloading and distributing copies of copyrighted songs, movies, software or other protected works without permission from the copyright owner or agent is illegal. Peer-to-Peer File-Sharing can also be illegal. Just because you own the music, movies, etc doesn't mean you can share it with friends.
- Immediately delete e-mails with instructions to activate or confirm your account information, open or download attachments, delete system filesor execute system patches. Malware can easily forge e-mail "From" addresses to make it appear to come from someone you know. If the Subject line or text is suspicious or unexpected...TRASH IT!
- Regularly backup important data and verify that the backups are readable. Click the save button constantly when you are typing a paper. Also, always have more than one copy of your work either on a Flash drive, CD or Helios (SU file storage.)
Don't do it
- Do not click on web links or follow instructions in unsolicited e-mail or Pop-Up Messages.
- " Do not use a name or dictionary word in any language when creating your SUeID password. Do not use a repetitive series like "abc123".
- Do not display your password on notes attached to your computer
- Do not allow your browser or email program to "remember" your SUeID/password. If you do, anyone can use your computer to access your information.
- As a rule, do not give out personal or financial information over the Internet, on the phone, or through the mail unless you've initiated the contact.
